Credits

Gvurrdon Sector - Credits
-------------------------

Roger Myhre  developed the Gvurrdon Sector.

History

   
                         GVURRDON SECTOR TNE UPDATE
                                       
                                Roger Myhre
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
   Gvurrdon sector is one of the most dynamic Vargr sectors in charted
   space. It is also the sector which has had Vargr presence a long
   period of time, compared to other sectors with Vargr presence. This
   area of space has been shaped by the close presence of the Imperium in
   its time, and by the Zhodani. A host of Minor races are also present,
   making this sector a cockingpot for adventurers. The first explorers
   reached Gvurrdon about -2900. There has been presented evidence of
   earlier expeditions, but many do disclaim these evidence, hen they are
   not been investigated in full.
   
   As the time went by, interstellar empires rose and fell. The only
   interstellar government that can boast at least 800 years of existence
   is Society of Equals (SoE). However as with the old Imperium, this
   group can't show a record of having one type of rule all this time.
   The old Imperium was somekind of a feudal government with the Emperor
   or Empress at the top. SoE has had its borders changing constantly.
   The central government changed just as often, along with its name. In
   800 the SoE formed the government it has now. However from this period
   up to now, the rulers has shifted just as often as before. The only
   thing that has been consistent, is the constitution of the state.
   
   From 1111 to 1116 SoE had a bloody war with Thirz Empire, which is an
   interstellar monarchy. The new king at that time did an excellent job
   rallying the troops when SoE attacked, winning the war at the end. The
   years after the war the relation between these two worlds was tense at
   the best. In 1126 some of the worlds that Thirz managed to conquer was
   handed back. Prior to this many of these worlds had revolted on Thirz.
   Some wanted independence, others wanted to be handed back, others
   wouldn't. It all was settled with democratic voting. Something that
   was difficult on the worlds that Thirz had taken. The archives didn't
   list all the adult citizens as voters. A long and difficult job it was
   to sort out this, because those who where voters didn't want the non
   voters to get voting privileges.
   
   In the middle of all this Rukh and Anti-Rukh clashed in a war that
   left deep marks in the society of both groups. Anti-Rukh did not have
   a chance repelling the attack, when Rukh outnumbered them at least 15
   to 1. However undercover groups inside Rukh managed to pull off a lot
   of destructive terrorist acts that shock the foundation of Rukh. The
   war itself lasted only a couple of months, but the mopping up took
   nearly a year. And even today Okozarrga (1336) is still a radioactive
   globe, glowing with its own radiation.
   
   In 1160 Rukh experiences internal difficulties. Political historians
   speculate that when the Anti-Rukh was removed, the rulers did not have
   anything to gather the populace against. Before the Rukh War the
   populace was aligned against Anti-Rukh. Now when that presence was
   gone the population started to look inwards and complain about several
   things. Sophont rights was one of the major issues. A civil war broke
   out short after. Luckily enough, most of the fighting was done in
   space. Various fleet commanders and admirals thought they held the
   answer, and with their Charisma they managed to recruit a lot of young
   aspiring Vargr. As the fleets held control over space the worlds
   themselves didn't fight much with each other when they actually had
   other objectives than the fleet. When the fleets had expended most of
   their strength in useless fighting, a lot of officers experienced
   their Charisma coming crashing down on their heads.
   
   The central government of Rukh was reduced. What remained of the
   fleets started to look for supporters in the various worlds. Thus
   Worlds of Leader Rukh started to fall from each other. Several small
   states did form up. And several worlds did also become independent, or
   did not link up with someone in fear of getting attacked by the others
   as reprisals.
   
   In this environment the Kforuzeng did find a lucrative market. When
   the fleets had expended most of their strength, a corsair band could
   operate quite safe. From 1160 to 1165 they contract out forces to
   various faction, being careful not to end up on both sides of the
   conflict. In 1165 they decided to move into one of the faction in all.
   The faction did hold quite a lot of resources, but the political, and
   military will and strength had been diminished in the conflicts.
   Kforuzeng that had been looking for a new central base since the old
   one got blown up by the Regency navy in 1130, moved in and took
   control over the government. This has increased the popularity of
   Kforuzeng among other corsair groups.
   
   In 1172 Gvaeknoks did the same as Kforuzeng. They had experienced more
   and more problems with the relation between Thirz and SoE. Trading
   between these two groups became more and more problematic. The two
   groups believed that Gvaeknoks spied for the other side. Thus the
   Gvaeknoks looked for a new base to place their headquarters. They ound
   one of the splinter groups of old Rukh being a prime candidate. They
   took control over the government by erecting the runaway economy. They
   did become so popular that they managed to get control over the
   government. They soon called themselves Gvaeknoks Trade Union. New
   trade routes was established.
   
   This part of space is still a place of skirmishes between the groups,
   but they are rather limited. The Zhodani has made their presence in
   this part of space more visible, protecting their interest. The two
   largest enemies are the Kforuzeng controlled The Freedom League Also
   called Corsair's Den and Gvaeknoks Trade Union. These two has weekly
   skirmishes with each other. Something that makes travel among these
   two a bit risky.
   
   The news about the Virus, and the diplomatic pressure from Regency
   about the same thing made the factions for once pull together (sort
   of) to prevent a disaster. Very little effect reached Gvurrdon at all.
   Trailing parts of Thoengling Empire lying in Tuglikki sector
   experienced some damages in 1140, but because of the forewarning from
   Regency the damages was minor. Thoengling has always had good
   relations to the old Imperium, and foster now good relations with
   Regency. A freak accident in 1146 nearly wiped out Gvurrdon as a
   political factor in the Spinward area. A small group of Vampire ships
   managed to penetrate the defenses in Thoengling, and within weeks the
   Capital feel to the vicious Virous. The Thoengling had to withdraw,
   just sacrificing worlds in the process. Whats left of Thoengling is
   just a handful worlds. And now they are really committed. A snafu like
   this are not going to be repeated, and the naval presence here is
   heavy. No one is admitted to a world without rigouros search and
   quarantine for uncertified vessels.
   
   Even for the Virus threat, the factions did continue to fight among
   themselves as usual, but by pressure from Regency, the faction stopped
   to use ABC weapons (Atomic, Bacteriological and Chemical). There has
   been reported nuclear weapon use in Gvurrdon, but then those have only
   been reported used in space. And those reports has not been confirmed
   either.

Library Data

   
                        GVURRDON SECTOR LIBRARY DATA
                                       
                                Roger Myhre
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
          
   Alloulloukde Tosoekh:
          One of the biggest ship warfs in the Gvurrdon sector. It is
          based at Aengvoung (1726). It is reputed for its contact net
          for connecting potential buyers to patrons for financing of
          crafts. It boast that many of the crafts the Kforuzeng corsair
          band uses are bought from them.
          
   Church of the Chosen One: 
          This is a religious sect which has their base at Aegadh
          (Gvurrdon 1317). They are the world rulers there. The sect
          believes that the Ancients made the Vargr to populate this part
          of the galaxy. The church does not worship the ancients, but
          just asks the devotees to be faithful and to trust the church.
          The church do not have any holy book as most other churches,
          but it boast an Ancient artifact that the church claims to be a
          two way communicator with the Ancients. This has not been
          proven when the artifact is looked up on as holy, and no one
          has been allowed to inspect it scientifically. The powerbase of
          the church has been waning since it were founded about 300
          years ago. The number of devotees was quite steady during the
          Rebellion. They did note a slightly increase in 1125 to 1127,
          but frorm there the number dropped steadily. So now they have
          turned inward, and redirecting their resources to prove once
          and for all that the Vargr is the heir to the Universe.
          
   Denner (expr):
          Common name for Vargr from Freedom League, or more commonly
          named Corsairs' Den.
          
   Dzen Aeng Kho:
          (Society of Equals.) This allegiance despite its name are
          soldier based. To prove that you can be equal, you have to
          manage to go through a dangerous test that could severely
          cripple those who are unlucky. All non soldier professions are
          looked upon as under rated beings. Medical profession is an
          exception to this when medics are important to save the life of
          a wounded soldier. Anyone can try to become an equal no matter
          what his or hers background is. Those who fail the test is
          denied access to any soldier career. Even the cubs from an
          equal have to prove itself as an equal before a soldier career
          are open for the candidate. Equals and non equals are not
          permitted mate with each other. The test can be taken anytime
          during the life, but it is wise to take it early when young and
          old have to go through the same test. The central body of the
          government are mainly built up by former military career
          personnel that have retired active duty. Only equals can vote
          in the parliament or run for some sort of governmental office.
          REFEREE: For characters that are born in Dzen Aeng Kho, they
          have to roll this task before they choose one of the following
          careers: Any military Officer, Leader, Aristocrat and Law
          enforcer.
          Difficult, Willpower
          Referee: On a Catastrophic Failure roll 1D+1 and subtract STR,
          AGL and CON of the indicated amount. Example: The PC rolls a 4.
          He must subtract 2 from STR and one from both AGL and CON. For
          those who manage this task give a CHA+1. If the parents of the
          character is rated equal give a -1 on the above task. The
          parents are rated equal on a roll of 15+ on 1D20
          
   Edge, The (Expr):
          A terminlogy used of the political state between Thirz Empire,
          and Society of Equals. Their "Cold War" status has everyone on
          their toes. If a break in the quarantine line it will most
          likely be in Society of Equals. They are zealously watchinh
          what Thirz Empire do, rather than watching their border against
          the Virus. Their oppinions in The Spinward Assembly are also a
          conflict. It looks like that they oppose each others ideas,
          suggestions just for the spite of it. More than one time
          Zhodani representatives had had to cool down the Thirz Empire
          representatives. However as there is no-one is holding Society
          of Equals in leash they seem to do and say whatever they will.
          However everyone are starting to get a bit tired of them. And
          regency has started to put on some pressure, but it hasn't
          taken any action, as a war will surely open the quarantine line
          for the advance of the Virus.
          
   Extends line contract:
          A contract between the Oberlindes Lines and the government on
          Ougzdaelzoerrgh, Gvurrdon (2040). The contract gives Oberlindes
          lines allowance to use the starport on Ougzdaelzoerrgh for
          trading and supplying post for starships that are going into
          the extends. This contract where vital for the Oberlindes to
          get when the recent hostilities between Vargr forces and the
          DoD forces started in 1117. Oberlindes met much resistance in
          the Empire when they first took initiative in mid 1119 to
          reopen their routes into Gvurrdon, when it got closed by the
          hostilities. The line into Gvurrdon sector starts at Dentus,
          Spinward Marches (2201). During the war against the Kedzudh and
          Kforuzeng alliance, the Imperial Navy had undercover agents
          working on this base. Starport at Ougzdaelzoerrgh got upgraded
          to type A after signing a contract with Oberlindes Lines.
          Oberlindes have a 47% share in the starport.
          
   Fair Witness:
          A new type of careers that has appeared in Thoengling Empire.
          It all started with a proposition from the Thoengling cemtral
          government to train certain high intellect Vargr to mediate in
          conflicts and stay in as fair and correct witnesses. After a
          few years several corporations started to use fair Witnesses in
          contract negotiations. Today anyone can hire a fair witness if
          they can pay the price. A Fair Witness will report anything he
          experiences, without giving his own oppinion on what did
          transpire at a given event. Thus sometimes hiring a fair
          witness can backfire, because many believe that the fair
          witness will give testimony in the customers favor. A Fair
          witness cost from 2000cr hour to the astronomical millions.
          
   FEKI:
          An institute that have specialized on educating sophonts that
          do not have the capability or money to spend to go to a normal
          college or university. FEKI is short for Fo Engragvaegkfu
          Kuerrgars Ingaez. Which can be translated to The School of Many
          Worlds. Costumers are usually from low populated worlds and/or
          belts. They support a wide array of courses that can be taken.
          From simple courses like drawing to more demanding things like
          medical or engineering courses that takes a year or two to run.
          The appliances are collected by mail, and a course package are
          then sent to the pupil. What the course package contains
          depends on the course taken. From just a few books to computer
          software or computers specially made for the course taken.
          Homebase is on Ouse Faeg/Ksits Uathu Odzuetarug (1724). During
          the Virus craze FEKI almost got bankrupted. All the more
          advanced courses was not selling when they relied on computers.
          However as the fear from the Virus dropped the costumers came
          back, and the more advanced courses started to sell again.
          
   Gnoerrgh Rukh Lloell: 
          (Anti-Rukh coalition). This is a coalition of worlds that did
          not rally behind the Great Leader Rukh in 972. Rukh's Charisma
          forced billions to to his cause. However many worlds rimward of
          Saell which had secured economic ties with worlds around Saell,
          would not rally to Rukh, so they established Gnoerrgh Rukh
          Lloell. In the beginning they did not manage to do much damage
          to the Rukh Aegz, but in the latest 10 years several worlds
          spinward of Saell have pulled out of the Aegz, when it proved
          unable to protect the worlds against terrorist acts and other
          anti-Rukh operations. It disappeared as a political entity in
          1123 when Rukh attacked. The war was over in matter of months,
          but the mopping up took more than a year. Anti-Rukh managed to
          deal some heavy blows to Rukh even when they was outnumbered 15
          to one. The reason for this was the deep undercover groups
          inside Rukh.
          
   Kfan Uzangou: 
          A periodical newsletter which are distributed through out the
          Gvurrdon sector. The newsletter released its first issue in 864
          (Imperial). The newsletter fresh and boasting reports soon got
          popular in other systems, so that the print had to be
          increased. In 987 the format changed from paper to cheap
          microchip format, which then could be accessed by most
          computers. The paper format have not disappeared totally, but
          the print is just 4% of total distribution. Kfan Uzangou (White
          Fangs) has its main office at Gvurrdon (0821). In 1127 the
          magazine started to distribute to Spinward Marches. However as
          the treat from the Virus became apparent, Regency put down a
          blockade. KU couldn't change to paper format, when this would
          sky rocket the distribution cost. KU took then contact with one
          of the small media distributors of Spinward Marches, called
          Spinward Media Expression (SME). They would get the text on
          optical readable microfilm, while the interior art and pictures
          would be put on ordinary dias. SME would then put the magazine
          on holocrystals, or in paper print. In Regency the magazine is
          distributed on the Galanglic name White Fangs.
          
   Oulaekho Arms:
          A weapon producer with its main office and production plant on
          Saell. It sells weapons to most worlds in Gvurrdon. The Firm do
          also have several subsidaries around the Spinward part of
          Gvurrdon. Gvaeknoks do also have a share in their weapon
          production plant on Ghenkerongolu (Gvurrdon 1528). This plant
          is called Dokhoullae.
          
   Sibiatl:
          A minor psionic institute in Gvurrdon. It does not have any
          fixed base, when it changes location time to time. The Sibiatl
          are a cooperation between the Zhodani and Vargr psionics to
          broaden the knowledge of psionics among Vargr in the in the
          spinward part of Gvurrdon sector. In addition to teach psionics
          it gives classes on just general information.
          REFEREE: The Sibiatl are well reputed among the Vargr in the
          Thirz Empire. The psionic training courses cost approximate
          240,000Cr. and takes about 5 months. Initial testing cost 12000
          credits. An information course cost 2000 credits, and is held 5
          days with 2 hours a day. 
          
   Spinward Assembly, The:
          A crisis council which was established by the initiative of
          Archduke Norris in 1132 to coordinate knowledge and operations
          in how to fight the Virus. Its presence (The Assembly) has been
          quite visible in Gvurrdon, as the Vargr has proven unable to
          dam up against the Virus effectively. only in the few latter 20
          years that the Vargr has managed to get on top of the situation
          by quarantine restrictions. The assembly got the following
          members: Regency, Zhodani Consulate, Aslan Hierate, Thirz
          Empire, Society of Equals, Thoengling Empire. In addition
          several smaller states has observer status in this assembly. If
          and when a thrust into the infected areas are going to take
          place, this assembly will surely have a hand in the game.
          
   TeeBee (Toothless Bastard [expr, org: re]):
          An curse originally from Regency. It was first used against
          those Vargr that worked as crew on infected starships. Those
          Vargr are generally of low Charisma, thus not very desireable
          by other Vargr as followers. Used against other Vargr will
          certainly spell trouble. The Virus has by itself no Charsima,
          and thus no appeal to the common Vargr, but those who are in
          their employ voluntarily or not.
          
   The Equality War:
          This war were fought between the Society of Equals and Thirz
          Empire. The war raged from 1111 to 1116. In this war Society of
          Equals lost much territory. Society of Equals did also lose
          their capitol system, Dzuerongvae (1413), but the rulers
          managed to escape. This forced the Society of equals to move
          the capitol. The new capitol is now at Taeksoudhanou (1623).
          
   The Glass bond:
          The alliance between Kedzudh Aeng and Kforuzeng corsair band
          were called the Glass Bond, when it appeared fragile when the
          allegiance first were signed. However the success the
          allegiance have earned in the invasion of The Spinward Marches
          have apparently strengthened this allegiance. Imperial analysts
          speculate that the allegiance may fall apart now that the
          forces to Norris have been able to stop the constant advance of
          the Vargr. The Glass Bond broke up in 1129, when Kedzudh
          declared that the campaign in Spinward Marches was a success,
          and that further action was not desirable.
          
   Therrg's First Reasoning:
          Therrg is one of the representatives of "The Spinward
          Assembly", and represents Thirz Empire. He do also have
          connections with Church of the Chosen One. He had a reasoning
          that has been quoted to the lenght that it has become a cliche.
          "If the Virus is intelligent, why do we then curse It for Its
          acts that every intelligent lifeforms has shown a inclination
          for? Of course because we all bash our friends head in every
          now and then does not make Its (Virus) acts more tolerable. It
          only explains the entropy of the universe." Therrg's Second
          Reasoning: "That day the computer talks to me I'll throw it out
          of the window."
          Cptn L. A. Slastinger's addition: "Has anyone told him that his
          office is underground?"
          
   Thirz Empire:
          The second largest interstellar state in Gvurrdon. It got close
          bonds with Zhodani,and the presence of psi capable vargr here
          is large. About 12% off all inhabitants here have been tested
          and/or trained. The entire state are viewed as a large client
          state of Zhodani by others in Gvurrdon. Zhodani have a large
          contigent of both military and economical advisors in this
          state. The reason to this is that the Zhodani by its close
          relationship with the government can limit the number on
          corsair raids inside their borders.
          
   Tirrils:
          An avian alien race native to Tirrokoelaeks (Gvurrdon 1821).
          The Tirrils lives at TL 0. Which would classify them as barely
          sentient. The Vargr which first took contact with them, hunted
          them for their fine feather hide. But when it became evident
          that the birds were sentient, all hunting ceased. The Tirrils
          are protected from hunting. Any killing of a Tirril for their
          hide is penalized with death. The Tirrils are about 150
          centimeter high, and got bright colors from blood red to deep
          navy blue. The chest and abdomen are generally white or silver
          grey. They got a 15 centimeter long beak like a gull and
          powerful claws they use to dig in the earth for Lummi roots or
          insects. What's curious about the Tirrils are that they have
          excellent mathematical knowledge. Some are so good that they
          can calculate the jump coordinates and data for a distances up
          to one parsec without the aid of a computer. Some Vargr
          merchants use Tirrils onboard their vessels for entertainment
          and for their excellent mathematical skill. The language of the
          Tirrils are consisting of whistling and body posture. Very few
          have been able to learn their language without specific aiding
          tools as flutes. Those who have been most successful with
          learning their language have usually good musical skill. Most
          humans may be able to do basic communication with just
          whistling with their lips. Vargr have proven unable to
          communicate without flutes or language computers. Tirrils can
          with great difficulty learn some Vargr languages. But human
          languages are easier for them to learn. This is due to the
          specific development of their vocal cords. Tirrils are popular
          on Tirrokoelaegz for their beautiful sing song skills, and are
          often employed at taverns and inns for entertainment. When the
          Tirrils are lacking manipulators they usually do not wear
          clothes or use tools. However a few Vargr corporations have
          built waldos that the Tirrils may use. However few do make use
          of the waldos when they constrain them from flying.
          
   Tongaesodhongaell massacre:
          During the Equality war Tongaesodhongaell/Gvurrdon (1015) were
          heavily attacked by nuclear and chemical weapons. Most of those
          who could not afford the overpriced tickets out of the system
          before the attacking fleet reached the world, got killed in the
          attack.The world are Interdicted by the Thirz Empire because of
          the high radiation level. The world is still interdicted for
          reasons unknown. There has also been a number of voices that
          demand that the ancestors of the survivors are to be evacuated,
          but the Thirz Empire don't want to for some reason.
          
   Ukekhaedha:
          Ukekhaedha which can be translated to: Ritual of Charismatic
          honor. This is a duel fought to death. The ritual have its
          roots from Fukoezo (Gvurrdon 2702). The ritual have been law
          regulated the latest since early 900. This has been done so
          that the number of duels to the death was not to going to
          deplete populace of males, which are the only gender which can
          do this ritual. To perform the ritual the offended part must
          get approval from the court to do so. If the court finds the
          offended part got good reason to re-install his charisma, the
          ritual is permitted. However the requester get one week to cool
          off to see if he changes his mind. The ritual is performed like
          this:
          Firstly the combatants undress completely, and donn loincloths.
          Both get a gun with one poison dart. The combatants then
          selects how far from each other they will stand. The closest
          range permitted are 7 meters and 21 meters at most. The guns
          are holstered when the ritual really starts. First the
          Oenurzksan (the patient wait) starts. Here the two combatants
          tries out wait each other. Sometimes one of the combatants
          chicken out and wont go through with the ritual. Longer the
          wait more Charisma will the offended part get back, if he wins
          the duel. He will also get back more charisma if he is the last
          to draw the gun to shot when the action starts. Some even waits
          until the other one has fired his gun before he fires his own.
          If both miss their shots, the duel is ended and the offended
          part cannot make another try. If the offender survives he will
          not get any benefit than his life. If the offended part
          survives he may get back all the charisma depending on how long
          the wait was and how he performed overall. If both parts die,
          the duel is noted as an unresolved matter and the case is
          closed. To be permitted to do this type of duel, you must have
          experienced a major loss of charisma and economical loss. Off
          worlders cannot under any circumstances perform this ritual in
          a legal way. There have been some cases where humans have been
          performing this ritual illegally, when they have offended a
          Vargr.
          
   Urukhu: 
          (nation of Urukhu). A former Interstellar empire which
          consisted of the following systems: 2806 Ukokhuvoen, 2807
          Kaekfesa, 2808 Dorrorue, 2908 Kutsgarrae, 3107 Ozago.
          After Urukhu died in 1112 the nation started to collapse. The
          nation were on its highest at 1103, when they managed to fend
          off a attack from the Thoengling Empire. However the war effort
          did take its toll on the Urukhu nation. Urukhu died in an
          assassination attempt at an age of 54 years. Who which are
          responsible for the act are unknown, but the Lliegz corsair
          band are suspected. The Lliegz band tried to establish two
          bases in the nation just after the war with the Thoengling
          empire. Urukhu would not have them there, and the constant
          battle with the corsairs depleted the limited naval forces even
          more. The Lliengz corsair band were splintered in 1116 by
          internal disputes.
          
   Uthith Fleet:
          Fleet of the Ekhlle Ksafi (40th squadron) based at Uthith
          (Gvurrdon 1738). During the FFW, it occupied Yorbund (Spinward
          Marches 2403) and Heya (Spinward Marches 2402), but did not
          press further, spending much time mopping up and consolidating.
          After the Gireel Fleet was destroyed destroyed at beck's World,
          the Imperial 212nd fleet forces Uthith back. On 252-1109,
          Admiral Thuekhs negotiated a separate peace and withdrew the
          Uthith fleet from Regina subsector. Many vargr veterans of the
          heyan occupation commonly have souvenirs, particulary bottles
          of fine Heyan liquors. When the Oekhos tirades, presented
          through a Vargr entertainment device called Utovogh wass
          released. These devices became increasingly popular in the Ve
          Ekhlle Ksafi space. Several voices started to demand action
          against the Imperials for the defeat during the FFW. However
          nothing has happened when the fleet to Ve Ekhlle was virtually
          non-existent. The 40th squadron did built a lot of new ships in
          the period 1123 to 1170. The number of ships quadrupled. This
          seems much, but when the fleet only consisted of a handfull of
          light cruisers, that was bearably serviceable, the build-up
          wasn't considered a threat by Regency. However Regency do keep
          an eye out for trouble.
          
   Voronol Knaergh:
          (925-1005 Imperial). Famous Vargr architect. He have designed
          many buildings in the Rukh Aegz alliance. His pride are the
          Taknarkag city, which he used 10 years in drawing.
          Unfortunately he did not live long enough to se the first
          stages of the city being completed.
          
   Wolfpack:
          A group of infected Vargr ships. As pre-virus vargr starships
          was quite low on maintained standard, Vargr ships that has been
          infected has their best strenght when they operate in numbers.
          The onset of the Virus forced dthe vargr governments to set up
          stricter standards to starships. Something that made a post
          Virus starships more able to withstand a Virus infection. And
          also to battle them in a space combat as their equipment
          standards are higher than infected crafts.
          

Aliens of Gvurrdon

                          ALIENS OF GVURRDON SECTOR
                                       
                                By Roger Myhre

     _________________________________________________________________
   
   As most other places in charted space, the universe is teeming with
   life. Gvurrdon is no exception. I have thus decided to make a short
   run down on the minor races that are present in Gvurrdon. Bear one
   thing in mind, none of this are official to date, and I do not know if
   there is any official minor race present in Gvurrdon. So if any of you
   out there got any modules explaining minor races in Gvurrdon I would
   like to hear from you.
   
   The number of minor races in Gvurrdon isn't large. Neither are they
   well known when most of their worlds are dominated by Vargr presence,
   or rulership. These are the worlds with a minor race present, native
   to the world.

   World                Hex  UWP         Codes           PBG   Race
   ----------------------------------------------------------------------
   Fufoekkfal           0112 E638688-7   Ni Si           912   Katl*'latl
   Angudh               0401 E7A77BA-B C Fl Si           721   Bwampbs
   Inghinfudzolorz      1037 B6A5786-8   Fl Si           343   Jaylay-yay
   Raezarourkollarrakhs 1126 C466634-B   Ni Si           621   Xienner
   Tirrokoelaegz        1821 B463645-A   Ni Ri Sv        312   Tirril
   Aellaesgvarzath      2128 A231365-G   Lo Ni Po O:2129 210
   Gaekloungoerzaghun   2129 A697A78-G   Hi In Si        834   Ungrest
   Fae Kodh             2536 D445313-7   Lo Ni Sv        301   Bzruellokh
   Ozago                3107 C331731-7   Na Po Si        501   Opliaraz

   Note that these stats are updated to TNE (1200 Imperial). Do also note
   that system 2128 has no native aliens, but that race from 2129 has
   colonized 2128. The codes: Si stands for Native Sophont race in
   control of Government. Sv stands for Native Sophont race, but Vargr in
   control of Government.
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
   
Katl*'latl

   The Katl*'latl is a amphibian race that are able to live on land as in
   water. The combined gill and lunge system sees to this. However they
   may not stay on land too long or they freeze up, as their planet got
   temperatures in the far sub zeros. They are about 1.5 meters high. A
   bit stocky, but quite agile. On the head and back they got a sand
   colored fur that are impregnated time to time to prevent it from
   getting wet. Elsewhere they got black or dark grey leathery skin.
   Their hands have 6 digits each and 2 thumps on each hand. The digits
   got 5 joints, and are webbed out to the fourth joint. Their legs is
   configurated as human legs, but they got 3 toes which are fairly long.
   The toes are webbed. They got flat noses and two eyes that are spaced
   far from each other, giving an effectively 210 degree field of vision.
   Their vision is not as good as human. Their hearing is another matter.
   They are capable of hearing sounds that are in the deep sub-sonic.
   Underwater the Katl*'latl navigate with smells and sonar. They emit
   high frequency pitches that reflects back to them, just like Dolphins.
   Underwater this may also be used as weapon against small targets as
   fish. Communication underwater is made by sub-sonic sounds that carry
   well in water. On the surface, they use the same language, but the
   pitch is changed so that it goes better with the thin air.
   
   Katl*'latl may move around in different environment, but they got some
   physical limits. Gravities higher than 1.3 may be harmful for them. So
   is temperatures above 240C. Water temperatures at this level are
   avoided at all cost. In air this is somewhat easier to avoid by
   donning suits when travelling off world. If the Air temperature is
   between -1 and -40 degrees Celsius they produce anti-coolant liquid
   that is pumped into the bloodstream. They can operate outside in lower
   temperatures, but only a few minutes.
   
Bwampbs

   This race is bizarre, not only that, but the world is utterly hostile
   to most other races. Evolved on a world with temperatures in the far
   sub zero range, has trapped this race on this planet. That has not
   however stooped them from making their own space program.
   
   They breath a mix of Hydrogen and Chlorine. Something that would
   normally classify them as an active race, burning energy at high rate.
   However this is not so with this race. They are large weights about
   400 kilos each, the female is a bit larger. They are carnivorous, with
   a different method of getting food, than other carnivore races. It
   uses Psionics to trap its prey, which are eaten alive. This easy
   hunting method forced them to adapt when their prey got scarce. Thus
   they began with domesticating of food animals. This lead to their
   introduction to sentience. Contact with Vargr later on, improved their
   technology.
   
   Their skin is leathery and yellow, with a iridescent green tinge. they
   got 2 eyes looking straight forward, but their eyesight is rather
   poor. They are good at detecting movements, but for detail study they
   are not good enough. They got six limps, the forward pair has evolved
   into arms, which are a bit stocky, making their appearance clumsy.
   Their head is small, apparently too small for such a large body.
   However their brain is not situated in the head, but in the chest
   cavity. The lack of brain in the head makes it rather flat and narrow,
   with two radar dishes standing out from the sides, which actually are
   their ears. Usually they don't wear clothes, but for ease of
   identification for off worlders, they wear a colored bandolier over
   their shoulder.
   
Jaylay-yay

   An amphibian race, that uses most of its time on the surface. Prior to
   contact with Vargr, they had developed only rudimentary technology. A
   few places had reached early iron age.
   
   This race has one rare ability that has not been observed in a such
   advanced race. And that is the ability to give electric shocks. But
   this does not mean that the Jaylay-yay is immune electric shocks
   themselves. If the target is insulated, it will backfire. In water the
   target just has to be close to the Jaylay-yay to work. However the
   effect is then 360 degrees out from the Jaylay-yay.
   
   The Jaylay-yay is omnivorous. They are lightly built, massing an
   average of 75Kg. They got 4 fingers on each of their two hands. The
   hands are webbed, but not all the way out. Their toes are not webbed
   at all. Their head holds four eyes configurated such that the upper
   pair is the only part that is above the surface when they swim in
   water. However studies show that the upper pair has been weakening
   over the generations, due to disuse. Their skin is scaled like a fish,
   but near the joints it goes over to more leathery substance. Their
   color varies from all the colors in the rainbow, something that makes
   it easy to tell the individuals apart.
   
Xienner

   This race comes from a world which are fairly warm, and got quite high
   air humidity. Much of the planet is covered by large forests and
   jungles. The Xienner descends from a stock of omnivorous primates,
   just like Humans. Although for this similarity, there is no way there
   can be confusion between Humans and Xienners.
   
   Xienners got slim graceful bodies. Their average height is about
   180cm. They got a 150cm tail. They are bipedal with digitigrade legs.
   Their forelimbs are long and slender, with 5 fingered hands. Their
   body is covered with fur which are white or golden, with shades in
   between. Their face looks somewhat like a baboon, but covered with
   short and stiff hairs. The nose got long whiskers. The tails is good
   enough to pick up items like bags and key rings and the like. However
   it is not capable to carry much weight.
   
   One thing that is unique to this race is their shape change ability.
   They are not shape changer in the meaning that they can alter their
   features from original shape to sludge or a human. But they can change
   their shape so that the body, limbs and the like get configurated
   better to do the work at hand. This ability is controlled by an enzyme
   that is let out into the bloodstream. The ability to generate more of
   this enzyme diminish with age, so old Xienners can't shape change at
   all.
   
   This shape change would have made them perfect soldiers, but they are
   friendly and peaceful. Their culture is closely related to the nature,
   even for their high technology. Killing can only be done in necessity.
   This has made them the perfect diplomats, which are sought after in
   Gvurrdon and surrounding areas. Another feature is the total lack if
   Psionics. They can't utilize psionics at all, and try to mindread them
   is futile.
   
Tirril

   An avian alien race. The Tirrils lives at TL 0. Which would classify
   them as barely sentient. The Vargr which first took contact with them,
   hunted them for their fine feather hide. But when it became evident
   that the birds were sentient, all hunting ceased. The Tirrils are
   protected from hunting. Any killing of a Tirril for their hide is
   penalized with death.
   
   The Tirrils are about 150 centimetre high, and got bright colors from
   blood red to deep navy blue. The chest and abdomen are generally white
   or silver grey. They got a 15 centimetre long beak like a gull and
   powerful claws they use to dig in the earth for Lummi roots or
   insects.
   
   What's curious about the Tirrils are that they have excellent
   mathematical knowledge. Some are so good that they can calculate the
   jump coordinates and data for a distances up to one parsec without the
   aid of a computer. Some Vargr merchants use Tirrils onboard their
   vessels for entertainment and for their excellent mathematical skill.
   
   Tirrils are popular in various parts of Gvurrdon for their beautiful
   sing song skills, and are often employed at taverns and inns for
   entertainment.
   
   When the Tirrils are lacking manipulators they usually do not wear
   clothes or use tools. However a few Vargr corporations have built
   waldos that the Tirrils may use. However few do make use of the waldos
   when they constrain them from flying.
   
Ungrest

   This race descend from a desert dwelling carnivore. It got a thick
   hide, almost chitin like in substance. They are somewhat hunched. When
   rolled up they are totally hidden behind their shell like back, which
   gives them very good protection. Their appearance is almost insect
   like, which can scare the hell out of unwary travellers. They are
   quite small and stocky, but not clumsy, even when they may seem like
   it. Even before the Vargr contacted this race, they had acquired tech
   enough to start a space programme. The first contact with Vargr, and
   Humans accelerated this process.
   
   They claim to have developed jumpdrive on their own, but this has not
   been confirmed. However they are not able to use the jump technology
   to its fullest. So in this field they are still on tech 9. The reason
   for this is that the Ungrest can't survive the jump for some strange
   reason. But the Ungrest do use so called unmanned jump launches, which
   actually are crafts ranging from 100 to 300 ton. These are used to
   move supplies fast through the system, and to the neighbouring system
   that they have started to colonize. The Ungrest move through
   interstellar space with SLD ships, powered by a ram scope.
   
   The Ungrest is quite aggressive, but not outright hostile. Various
   merchants do trade with them, but any technology is unavailable, when
   it is much specified for the race. And the Ungrest is unwilling to
   sell out technology to inferior traders. This might stem from a
   paranoia that they are afraid of that the tech might be turned against
   them. However there is possible to buy lot of other non-technical
   stuff like foodstuffs, and art.
   
Bzruellokh

   This race stems from an world which are quite chilly, which explains
   their heavy built due to insulating fat. Descendants from
   omnivore/gatherers which evolved on the great steppes of this planet.
   They are massing about 95kg, the females a bit less. Their legs are
   short with broad feet, that prevents them from sinking too deep into
   the snow. Their early forefathers had quite a lot of body hair, which
   disappeared when the Bzruellokh started using clothing to protect them
   further from the chill. Their arms are long, reaching down to the
   knees when they stand upright, and powerful. Their skin resembles that
   of a human, but is rougher and thicker. The skin color ranges from
   white to yellowish. Their arms and head is covered with thick white
   hair. The face holds two small eyes which are set deep into the skull.
   The ears resembles that of a rabbit, but is a bit broader.
   
   From what is usual among other races, Bzruellokh does have a peculiar
   rhythm. Their pre-sentient ancestors hibernated during the winter,
   gathering food in the summer. Thus they almost never sleep half of
   their local year. In a modern society this is quite difficult, but
   this hibernating are still being done. But the cycles are more
   controlled, so that their society still works, even in the winter.
   Their starships got special hibernation modules, for crew or owners
   that are due for they hibernation cycle. The fact is that the
   Bzruellokh gets sick if it can't hibernate over certain period. Drugs
   can prolong the wake time between hibernation, but are used sparingly.
   
Opliaraz
   
   Descendants from omnivore scavengers that was cave dwellers. The
   latter has given them sight that spans from visible light to the
   infrared spectrum. They got large black eyes. Matter of fact the
   pupils are the only part of the eye visible. Their size is small
   compared to humans, with an average height of 145cm. They got bat like
   ears that can be moved towards a sound. This coupled with their wide
   field of vision, that is 220 degrees gives them a superior
   surveillance capability compared to most other sentient races.
   
   Their society is built around the family, which forms a clan. When the
   Vargr contacted these the first time, they were hunted for their fur.
   Even when they had advanced into the iron age. This hunting was
   stopped some hundred years ago, by a group of resourceful explorers.
   However the Opliaraz is still xenophobic about outsiders. Those who
   wants to do business in this system should do it through the Aelluengh
   Mercantile Company, which is the only company the Opliaraz will trade
   with. The reason for this is that the Aelluengh is owned by the
   ancestors of those who helped the Opliaraz from extinction.

Contact: The Tirrils

   
                      CONTACT: TIRRILS. UPDATED FOR TNE
                                       
                               Roger Myhre
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
Introduction

   Tirrils are an Avian race native to Tirrokoelaegz (Gvurrdon 1821).
   They were first contacted in about year 600 (Imperial.) When the
   system was first settled the Tirrils got hunted for their fine colored
   feathers. However Some scientist could prove that the Tirrils actually
   was sentient. Huntings got disbanded overnight. However Tirrils are
   still hunted illegally for their feathers.
   
Physical Description

   As and avian race the Tirrils have a light bodyframe. The skeleton is
   hollowed to further decrease the body weight. They are about 150
   centimetre high and weight about 40Kg. They got a 15cm long seagull
   like beak. Their feathers are colored from bright red to deep navy
   blue. The chest and abdomen is generally white or silver grey. Some
   may have a brown taint on the chest color. Upper back and head and the
   front edge of the wings are usually black with a shiny blue taint.
   Females usually lacks this taint. And they have also lighter colored
   beak, which is yellow. The eyes are mounted on the sides of the head,
   giving near 360 degrees full vision. Mid-way between the shoulder and
   the wingtip there are a set of claws, not unlike a bat, but these
   claws gives somewhat better grip, but not much.
   
Diet

   The Tirrils mainly eat vegetables, fruits or roots, but they may
   supplement with small rodents and insects. A few is also eating fish
   when they can catch some. Their main diet is the Lummi root. This root
   comes from a pest plant that kill other plants for living. The plant
   in its self is poisonous, but the root is not. Humans and Vargr find
   this root too sweet for taste, but it is edible. The root is protected
   by law, so that the Tirrils can get their necessary nutrition supply.
   Farmers has tried to fight this law, but in 875 an agreement was met.
   The Tirrils would eat off any root they found in farmlands to aid the
   farmers, so that their harvest would not be destroyed. Lummi root has
   with some luck been exported to other systems. Those systems that has
   Lummi roots, grows them in greenhouses that has been carefully sealed
   off.
   
Language

   The Tirril language is built up by a complex form of whistling and
   chirping sing song. This was the most difficult barrier the vargr
   scientist had to break to make contact with the Tirrils. Vargr proves
   unable to whistle in the same fashion as humans, when they do not have
   the same lip control. However the Tirrils have been quite adept at
   learning to speak like Vargr quite well. There is a few sounds that
   the Tirrils can't make. Most human languages has proven better. Body
   stance is also quite important in the language, but it is more like
   the body language of humans when it comes to gestures that underlines
   some meaning in a sentence. The body language in itself is performed
   differently. This has not made any major problems in cross species
   communication.
   
   Vargr communicate with Tirrils either with computer or flute. Tirrils
   themselves prefer that a flute is used when it produces more pleasing
   sound than a computer. Humans may whistle, but again a flute is
   preferred. Along with the standard linguistics skill the translator
   should also be familiar with the artisan skill that handles flutes.
   
Technology

   Prior to contact with Vargr Tirrils had an effective TL of 0, which in
   most cases would classify them as barely sentient. However their
   integrated clan structure and the limited ability to use tools was one
   of the things that made Vargr scientist suspicious to their
   "un-intelligent" behaviour. It was later found out that the Tirrils
   had extremely good understanding of mathematical problems. The most
   skilled of the Tirrils are actually able to calculate jump coordinates
   precisely for distances up to 1 parsec within 25 minutes. And that
   without any help from abacuses or other mathematical tools.
   
   After the contact with Vargr, Tirrils have enjoyed increase in
   technology. However the Tirrils do not manufacture anything
   themselves. The clans get paid in hardware for different services they
   do for the Vargr. The equipment they get varies with the job and the
   value of both the job and the equipment. Tools like special made
   knifes and night vision equipment are among the most popular items.
   Waldos are also available, but the Tirrils usually doesn't use them
   when they inhibit them from flying. The most popular item is small
   long range portable radios. This makes clans able to communicate with
   each other over long distances. Through relays they might also
   communicate by satellite to clans on the other side of the planet.
   
Homeworld

   Their homeworld is Tirrokoelaegz, which is in Gvurrdon (1821). The
   planet is a size 4 body orbiting a F4 V star. The star got a M4 D
   companion in orbit 2 which gives the planet somewhat distorted season
   temperatures at times. The gravity is at 0.47G which makes these
   rather large avians able to fly. The Tirrils have proven able to fly
   in dense atmospheres on planets with gravity up to 0.76G. The
   temperatures is fairly high. Averaging 590C in the summer (at equator)
   to 450C at winter at the same place.
   
Government

   The Tirrils do not have any ruling on the planet, but they are
   protected by law against hunting and other acts of destruction. The
   vargr population on the planet is rather small (510,000) compared to
   the Tirrils (2,890,000). However the more influential clans of the
   Tirrils have the opportunity to voice their opinion on different
   things. The ruling body on Tirrokoelaegz is rather small. The
   interstellar government that encompass this world is ruled by a tight
   elite. The Vargr population is divided between Equals and Non-Equals.
   Only the Vargr that has been rated Equal may take ruling position in
   the government. This has made some problems with the Tirrils. So the
   planet government had to come up with a simple solution. After much
   bickering an agreement was met. Only the elders in a clan would be
   rated equal, and thus have the opportunity to voice their opinion.
   
Clans

   The Tirrils are organized in family clans. A clan ranges from 20 to a
   few hundred individuals. The head of the clan is the elders. That is
   those who are at least 22 years old. There is no distinct clan head,
   but the elders form some sort of council. The different clans can be
   distinguished from each other by the clan marking that is on the
   throat and upper part of the chest. When two clans is merging into
   one, or a group of Tirrils break out from a clan the markings change
   to the new clan that has been formed.
   
   There is little fighting between the clans. Some confrontation do
   exist when the clans needs new territory. However any outright war is
   extremely rare. However after the Vargr arrived some clans have not
   forgiven the Vargr for the hunting of fellow Tirrils. Thus these clans
   are mostly outright hostile to Vargr. This has also lead to a few
   messy confrontations between pro- and con-vargr.
   
   The clans usually moves from place to place depending on season and
   how well the land around can feed them. Their "homes" are everything
   from a dug out hole in the ground to a copse of trees that gives good
   protection. In the cities there is built special clan houses that
   varies is size. These clan houses are free for use by any clan that is
   on visit.
   
Clan Economy

   As a lot of Tirrils are in employ of various Vargr and a few human
   patrons, the clan gets payment in form of credit or equipment for
   these services. The credits are put into an account that the elders
   administer for the welfare of the clan. Equipment are usually personal
   to the recipient until that one dies. Then the equipment is handed
   over to the elders for reassignment to a new user. The account with
   credits are usually used for covering repair of broken equipment or
   new computer programs. The money is also spent on other things that
   will help the clan. A few clans have specialized on trading with other
   worlds in Society of Equals and beyond. To these worlds there is sent
   emissaries. The emissary group is usually built up by a few elders and
   claners to provide for them. Sometimes Vargr do accompany these groups
   for support.
   
Tirrils as Characters or NPCs

   having Tirrils as character can give a party some problems. At high G
   worlds they will be unable to fly properly if at all. Neither is there
   easy to get vacc suits for them. Filter masks and such do not exist at
   all. A Tirril is fairly short lived. They start their career at an age
   of 2 years (standard), when they reach the age of 10 they start to
   feel the age on their shoulders. And that more severely as humans. At
   the age of 22 they will usually return to their clan to take the
   position of an elder. Most Tirrils doesn't get older than 30 odd
   years.
   
   Many Tirrils has taken up careers in the armed forces of Society of
   Equals, the Vargr interstellar government that rules the local space.
   These position are usually navigators or recon jobs. Other careers are
   valets or entertainers on taverns or merchant ships. The latter use
   them also for navigation.

   Stats         Roll
   Strength      2D-4
   Agility       1D+3
   Constitution  1D+3
   Intelligence  2D-1
   Education     1D
   Cha           1D to a max of 15
   Soc           n.a.
   
   Note: Tirril Cha works much in the same way as Vargr Cha. That will
   say that a Tirril with high Cha will have better social status in the
   pecking order. DM's for homeworld has been taken into account.
   
   The base weight is 45Kg
   
   For the Imperial equivalent of social status use a fixed stat of 5.
   There is possible for a Tirril to take a career in a Vargr career.
   These careers are: Navy, Scouts, and Entertainer.
   
   Use the career lists in the rulebook, but adjust the requirements down
   so that the character may enter it early on.

   Navy:        Int 8+; Note that Tirrils do not get ship DM's
   Scout:       Int 6+; Note that Tirrils do not get ship DM's
   Entertainer: Cha 5+
   
   Tirrils get few money for their service rendered. The reason for this
   is that Tirrils lives in a low technology community, and is content
   with that. However the little they earn fall back to their clan. This
   does not mean that the Tirril will be left without money, but just
   that it will have far less spending money than a ordinary character.
   Give the Tirrils character 100 cred per term, this is what she gets to
   keep.
   
   There are two main careers which are native to Tirrils that they can
   enter. One is hunter/caretaker, and the other is Elder.
   
   For Hunter/Caretaker use the Hunter/Guide on page 47 of the rulebook
   with these exceptions:
     * Exchange Vehicle with Flying
     * Technological skills are not available beyond one level per term
     * Skills that require fine manupilations as surgery are not available
     * Exhange Economics with Waldo
     * Technological skills may not be higher than skill in Waldo use
     * Starship DM's are not available
     * Money is not earned
   
   Elders do never travel, so as characters they fit badly, so I won't
   give a full character generation listing just a few skills they
   acquire as Elders. All Tirrils that are out travelling will return
   home to their clan, or form their own to become an Elder when they
   reach the age of 22.
   
   Effects of becomeing Elder:
     * Charisma is increased by 2 the first term
     * Education is increased by 1
     * On terms after the first the Charisma is increased by 1
     * Elders do not get money
   
   Elder skills:
     * Interaction
     * Charisma
     * Determination
     * Perception
     * History
     * Psychology
   
   If a PC Tirrils reach the age of 22, the character will cease to
   exist, and will become a NPC. The PC's may later use this Elder as an
   source ofinformation later on if necessary.
   
   At the start of 6'th term the Tirril becomes automatically an elder.
   Clan refers to a character than lives and work for his or hers family
   clan.
   
   New Skills:
  
   Math: This skill makes a Tirril able to calculate the jump coordinates
   up to one parsec without any tool for help. The numbers however must
   be then put into a computer. The Skill is governemd by Intelligence.
   
   To calculate one parsec jump.
   Difficult Math
   Referee: this task does not substitute the navigational task, but can
   be useful if the nav computer is down and the ship has to make an
   emergency jump.
   
   Flying: This gives the Tirril better ability to maneuver in the sky.
   
   Aging Table:

   Term    Age      Str      Agl      Con      Int
    2      10        Y        -        -        -
    3      14        Y        Y        -        -
    4      18        Y        Y        Y        -
    5      22        Y2       Y        Y        -
    6      26        Y2       Y2       Y        Y
    7      30        Y2       Y2       Y2       Y
    8      34+       Y3       Y2       Y2       Y
   
   Yn means that the stat are reduced with n levels.
   
   Psionics:
  
   Tirrils are fairly well adapted in psionics, but very little training
   is available. To measure Psionics strength roll 2D. Subtract one for
   each term beyond 2.
   
Tirril Custom-Made Equipment

   Waldos:

   These are strap-on arms. However a Tirril will need help to strap one
   on, unless it got a specific stand to help him with that. Depending on
   TL the waldos can do different things that the Tirrils are not able to
   without these tools. However spite of the inherit str and dex of the
   waldos the Tirril will not be able to carry items heavier than its
   basic carry ability. Low TL waldos are controlled by control leads
   that are connected to the three claws on each wing, making it somewhat
   cumbersome. A Tirril wearing waldos is not able to fly.

   TL   Weight    Str   Dex    Duration    Control      Noise     Price
   10   10Kg       8     8        3Hrs     Wire         Whine     1000Cr
   12    9Kg       8     9      3.5Hrs     Wire       Soft Whine  1200Cr
   14    8kg      10     9        4Hrs     Neural       Silent    3000Cr
   
   Sensor Helmets:

   Scouts and Recon Tirrils are issued these items in their tour of
   service. A few is also lucky to be given such equipment when they
   muster out. The helmet is a typical half helmet with visor that can be
   lowered and raised. Several types of visors are available. The helmet
   in itself is standard for all types. The visors are interchangeable.
   Plain helmet cost 500Cr and weight about 500g. The helmet may be
   connected to a communicator and a computer. This is valuable for
   forward observers that can relay the information by datalink to an
   artillery battery.
   
   TL  Visor                     Weight      Duration       Price
    9  IR + Image enhance          400g       3Hrs          1000Cr
    9  Low Light + Image Enhance   400g       3Hrs          1200Cr
   12  IR + LL + IE                500g       4Hrs          2000Cr
    9  Laser range finder add-on  +100g       -10%          +500Cr
   
   Weapons:

   There is a limited range of weapons available to Tirrils. Partly
   because firearms requires waldos to wield them. And that the Vargr is
   afraid that unfriendly clans are going to use the weapons against
   them. Thus the Vargr will not repair any firearms that Tirrils use if
   they become broken. However this is not the case with Tirrils that are
   in active or semi-active military service. If Tirrils use weapons not
   meant to be controlled by waldoes, increase the difficulty with one
   level. Weapons are usually in the 5 to 7mm range. An odd laser
   carabine may also be encountered, but most usually then in military
   service.
   
   Bladed weapons come in a wide variety, but most common are wing
   spurrs, and beak daggers. Threat both as dagger according to the rules
   in TNE.

Groups of Gvurrdon

   
                 THE GROUPS OF GVURRDON AS PER 1200 IMPERIAL
                                       
                                Roger Myhre
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
   
   Gvurrdon is filled with different political factions and groups. All
   got their own agenda, and goals for the future. This makes it and
   different place than most other sectors in charted space. The
   different outside groups as Zhodani and Regency add to the confusion.
   The alliances among the groups are also difficult to understand at
   times.
   
  Allez:
  
   Remnants of the old Rukh alliance. The Rukh party tried to hold off
   long as possible, but when the break did come, they lost all control.
   After several years of internal fighting, a loose group of aristocrat
   managed to get some kind of control. The alliance is now ruled by the
   aristocrats, but the worlds got some self rule to a limit. They might
   not pass new laws without the Allez government gives them permission
   to do so. They have over the last years worked with improve their
   relations to the surrounding factions, among those Regency. Zhodani
   already got an embassy here, from the time Rukh existed.
   
  Church of the Chosen One:
  
   This quasi-religious sect has been diminishing the last 50 years.
   During the Rebellion, and shortly after it registrated a small increse
   in popularity, but the advent of the Virus changed the opinions again.
   As a result of this they have closed most of their centers, turning
   their resources into finding the Ancients, to prove once and for all
   that the Vargr is meant to inherit the universe after the Ancients.
   
  Dzen Aeng Kho (Society of Equals):
  
   A military ruled society, where the citizens must be rated Equal
   before they can get voting status, or enter certain careers. To get
   rated as Equal the citizen must go through a test, which can be
   dangerous. This test is taken at age 16 usually, but it can be taken
   later. Non-Equal citizens that did not make the test might be rated
   Equal later if they perform excellent in their line of duty. And this
   is usually in the military services. SoE do also keep slaves, but they
   may not be mistreated.
   
  Gvaeknoks Trade Union:
  
   Formed in 1172 when Gvaeknoks got fed up by the trading difficulties
   between Thirz Empire, and Society of Equals (SoE). A new base had to
   be found. The break up of Rukh gave the right opportunity to establish
   a base where Gvaeknoks could keep a political presence without losing
   control. The Gvaeknoks Trade Union (GTU) was formed short after.
   Gvaeknoks holds the control over the interstellar government, but the
   worlds themselves maintain their own government. Gvaeknoks got even
   more popular as it invested in different projects to build up the
   local economy. Thus Gvaeknoks can buy cheap and sell expensive to
   worlds outside GTU.
   
  Kedzudh Aeng:
  
   Formed originally to hold corsairs at bay, but formed the Glass Bond
   alliance with Kforuzeng in 1116-17. Imperial analysts concluded that
   this bond wouldn't hold for long, but they were wrong. After the
   campaign in Spinward Marches was finished, Kforuzeng started to look
   for new markets. Kedzudh worked for improving its relations to
   Regency. Kedzudh are still a loose alliance, with the worlds handling
   their foreign policy on their own. Only the near presence of the virus
   do keep them together today.
   
  Noerrgh Confederate:
  
   A dissident group lead by Noerrgh started to get popular in 1178. By
   two years it has spread to near lying worlds. Noerrgh wanted to
   disband the monarchy of Thirz Empire, but the Royal Thir Family
   resisted. Armed conflict broke out, but an armistice was reached in
   1182. Noerrgh Confederate is actually a wobbly alliance. They don't
   seem to manage to agree on a single item. The only reason that it
   still exist might be that Zhodani got some control, with help of Thirz
   Empire, over the group. Why Thirz has not moved in and taken control
   is not known.
   
  Oberlindes Lines:
  
   A Spinward Marches based trade company. They are maybe the best
   traders in the sector, not counting Gvaeknoks. As the peace has been
   spreading through the rimward reaches of Gvurrdon Oberlindes are
   looking into reopening their base at Triad, that got closed in 1117.
   Further expansion into Gvurrdon are also planned, but there is a few
   problems. Kforuzeng got quite a presence in the rimward portion.
   Economic analysts just wait on the day that Emissary the Oberlindes
   trade cruiser will clash with the light cruiser of Kforuzeng, Ozarr.
   Gvaeknoks do also close their borders for Oberlindes, making a
   coreward expansion difficult.
   
  Regency:
  
   Doesn't have any direct presence in Gvurrdon, but keeps emissaries
   around in the different groups to know what is happening. They got
   best relations with Thoengling and Rueks Legacy. The relations to
   Kedzudh and Ve Ekhlle Ksafi are also softening up.
   
  Rroerz Uerra:
  
   This is actually what is left of Anti-Rukh coalition. When the Rukh
   war was over, these worlds rebuilt their society. Helped by a Zhodani
   backed Rroerz political party. The Zhodani presence has been fading
   the last few years, but still there.
   
  Rueks Legacy:
  
   One of the splinter groups of old Rukh. they hold a small base, and
   try to stay out of trouble. To protect their worlds, they have hired
   ships from 40th squadron. Repeating raids from Corsair's Den saw to
   this.
   
  The Freedom League:
  
   Also called Corsair's Den by outsiders. Kforuzeng has control over
   this alliance, even on local world government level. However not full
   control. Kforuzeng tried to take full control, but found it too
   difficult, and that they could loose Charisma on it. However after
   Kforuzeng took over the situation on the worlds became actually
   better. Many corsair groups sought to Kforuzeng after this. Corsairs
   that visit this place can come and go as they like, far as they do not
   break any rules here. No one asks questions where the wares comes
   from. The trade taxes are also quite low.
   
  Thirz Uerra:
  
   An Interstellar Monarchy formed with the help of Zhodani. The worlds
   got independence in that way that they can choose their own local
   government, but the monarchy with its appointed governors do the
   interstellar policy. This part of Gvurrdon holds a large percentage of
   the Psionic capable Vargr. They fought the Equality war against SoE
   from 1111 to 1116. Where upon SoE lost much territory. It maintains
   good relations to most factions in Gvurrdon, excepted for SoE, where a
   cold war status is at hand.
   
  Thoengling Raghz:
  
   Has always had good relations with the Empire, and continue to nurture
   this through Regency. It is maybe the interstellar state that has
   suffered most from the Virus. First they managed to keep it at bay,
   but a breakthrough forced the Thoengling Navy to withdraw. The Capital
   was lost in matter of weeks. Now there is only a handful worlds left
   from this state, which once was the biggest is Gvurrdon.
   
  Ve Ekhlle Ksafi (40th Sqr):
  
   One of the alliances that participated in the FFW against the Imperium
   in 1107 to 1110. The government is a strict military rule, but the
   individual worlds has gotten more to say the latest years. The reason
   for this might be by the pressure from Regency because of the Virus.
   Ve Ekhlle Ksafi doesn't like Regency much, but it is not strong enough
   to make a dent in Regency's armor. The fleet capability of Ve Ekhlle
   Ksafi has been built up over the years, but still small compared to
   other groups.
   
  Zhodani:
  
   Their aims for the Gvurrdon sector has changed over the years. As
   their long time allied Rukh disappeared, Zhodani had to move in with
   force to prevent that Zhodani owned industry didn't get caught in the
   middle. However they was not able to prevent that Rukh broke up, maybe
   for the best. As Zhodani sought after to control the groups along
   their border to keep them safe, it got easier now that the tension in
   this area of space loosened. It did also get easier to deal with the
   different worlds after Rukh disappeared. Zhodani has opened quite a
   lot of trade missions in Gvurrdon the latter 20 years.

Commonality of Kedzudh

   
               COMMONALITY OF KEDZUDH, THE WARMONGERING STATE
                                       
                                Roger Myhre
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
Introduction

   Commonality of Kedzudh was first established in 1044 to an answer to
   the corsair threat. The main enemy at that time was Kforuzeng, that
   had been around for about 3 years.
   
   As Kforuzeng grew, Kedzudh got more followers. In about 1100 Kforuzeng
   changed tactic. Kforuzeng managed to get a treaty signed with Kedzudh.
   Kedzudh needed rest from raidings, and Kforuzeng needed a safe border
   to cross when the going got to tough.
   
   Kedzudh needed support to secure its borders. At first it may seem
   strange to outsiders that these two groups sign a treaty. The reason
   is that Kforuzeng had no raidings into Kedzudh between 1078 and 1100.
   Most pirates came either from the Imperium or from Tuglikki sector
   which Kforuzeng only had limited support from.
   
   After FFW the atmosphere between Kedzudh and Kforuzeng get sourer, due
   to the Imperium's attention to vargr corsairs. When Kforuzeng seemed
   unable to keep its groups together and unable to protect Kedzudh from
   raiders the treaty got nullified.
   
Recent History (1110+) 

   When Kforuzeng started to loose control over its subgroups, and the
   treaty with the band got nullified, a lot of worlds to the coreward
   left the communality. The reason to this was that they could stand up
   against the Kforuzeng now that it was weakened. They was neither
   threatened by the pirates from the Imperium.
   
   When the anti-Imperial Oekhsos tirades was released through
   entertainment devices, Kedzudh managed to get new members. The tirades
   did also help Kforuzeng from being disbanded.
   
   Kedzudh had from the beginning encouraged vargr that lived in the
   coreward systems of the Marches to revolt against the Imperium.
   However this proved difficult when the Imperium had too strong
   presence there.
   
   When the rebellion started in 1116, which threw Domain of Deneb into
   much confusion, Kedzudh started to lie plans. With the vargr invading
   in Corridor and the Aslans entering Spinward Marches in 1117 Kedzudh
   and Kforuzeng attacked the coreward border of the Spinward Marches.
   Kforuzeng and Kedzudh had by this time made a new treaty. The
   Glass-Bond as it is refereed to by Imperial vargr experts.
   
   The reason to that Kedzudh relinked with Kforuzeng is that Kforuzeng
   got the know-how. Kedzudh did have the vargrpower and funds, but
   lacked the skilled leaders. Which are needed to perform a military
   action against the Imperium. But not only the combined force of these
   two groups did secure the operation.
   
   Already in 1113 Kedzudh had established a undercover network within
   the Imperial borders. This is the main reason to that Kedzudh and
   Kforuzeng managed to get far as they did when they launched their
   attack. The vargr rich worlds coreward in the Marches proved to be
   excellent source to find anti-Imperial sentiments. All that was needed
   was to get this seed to grow.
   
Government 

   The government of Kedzudh is built up by representatives from the
   various governments in the different systems. The different worlds in
   Kedzudh conduct their own interior and exterior relations. However the
   Kedzudh government tries to coordinate the different systems. This is
   done so that all the systems may gain by the work done.
   
Military

   The worlds had initially their own military forces and administrated
   this as they saw fit. However to meet the corsair and the pirates from
   the Imperium they built a small space police/navy force. This force
   had two fleets of about 10 ships each. The largest ship was a 8000ton
   destroyer.
   
   Prior to the invasion of Aramis subsector in the Marches, Kedzudh
   built new ships. Some large as 15000ton. The attack on the Imperial
   Navy outpost at Triad (Gvurrdon 2436) was fruitful. The coalition
   managed to capture several crafts in dock.
   
   This gave a valuable boost to the military strength of the coalition.
   However the captured crafts was not used in the initial attack on the
   Imperium, when the coalition had to figure out how to operate them
   properly. Neither was it time to train crew and move the crafts into
   position. The Imperium would soon detect that an entire squadron was
   missing. With the help of the underground groups in the Imperium. The
   coalition managed to capture many systems before the Imperium managed
   to relocate their forces and build up a frontline. At present the
   position of the frontline have been stable after the Empire managed to
   take back a few systems. See the map in MTJ #1 for current frontline
   position.
   

Kforuzeng

   
                  KFORUZENG, THE RETURN OF THE SPACE WOLVES
                                       
                               Roger Myhre
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
   Kforuzeng are known to be the largest corsair band in Gvurrdon sector.
   In the latest 10 years they have gone through a lot of changes. From
   being a sector wide band with nearly monopoly on raiding along the
   Domain of Deneb border, to nearly extinction and back on the raise
   again in the wake of the Rebellion in the Imperium.
     _________________________________________________________________


How it Started

   In 1041 the Kforuzeng corsair band were organized. The leader Dzenae
   Aekoe with his crew on the frigate Rraedz decided to split from the
   Ungogz Den, a small interstellar government got splintered by internal
   unrest. To survive he started to raid at different worlds that could
   not muster the force to drive him away. He later joined forces with
   one other corsair captain.
   
   In 1043 they were attacked by two larger ships, but Dzenae was an
   expert tactician and soon turned the battle to his favor. Both
   attackers got their jumpdrive disabled which put them at his mercy.
   Rather than to exterminate his adversaries he proposed an alliance,
   which they agreed on. The two crafts were soon repaired.
   
   Dzenae soon realized that he must get himself a base for his four
   crafts so that they could get safe repairs away from the navies that
   hunted him. Instead of building one he decided to capture one with all
   the equipment he needed. By great cunning he surprised a base hollowed
   out in an asteroid at Ueghrrozue/Gvurrdon (2339). This base later
   became the main base for the Kforuzeng corsair band, and it still is.
   
   After the capture of the hollowed asteroid, Dzenae arose sharply in
   charisma and many other corsairs sought to join his group. In the
   following years the group just got bigger and bigger.
   
The Death of a Leader

   In 1052 Dzenae was an old Vargr, just rounded 60 standard years he
   leaded personally a campaign against Kinorb/Spinward Marches (2202),
   with a large portion of his fleet, the flagship got a hit from a
   particle accelerator. The damage was superficial, but the sudden hit
   gave Dzenae a heart attack which sent him into coma.
   
   After some hours Dzenae woke up a brief moment. When he saw that his
   adjutant and second in command were at his bunk. He then gave his last
   command, which was to continue the campaign as planned. He then lost
   consciousness, and never woke up again.
   
   Ksangu which was the second in command obeyed this order and continued
   the campaign for his charismatic leader.
   
   Dzenae was after the campaign buried in the crypt that was dug out in
   the hollowed asteroid base at Ueghrrozue. In this crypt several other
   honored leaders and sub leaders of Kforuzeng corsair band buried with
   solemn ceremonies.
   
1043 to 1070

   In this period Gvurrdon went through a lot of changes that made the
   corsair business surge. Dzenae was the dominant leader of the band. He
   had bases spread over rimward parts of Gvurrdon sector.
   
   In this period Kforuzeng absorbed a lot of other corsairs both
   independent and smaller groups. Even after his death, many joined up.
   
1071 to 1090 

   As the band got larger the need of a new flagship arose. Kforuzeng
   undercover agents found out that Thoengling Empire had ordered a
   200,000ton BB from the shipyard at Orsesokhin/Gvurrdon (2323). Just
   before the vessel was finished Ksangu led a small unit of crack
   corsairs and stole the craft from the dock.
   
   Thoengling got very annoyed by this act and tried to assassinate
   Ksangu. They failed, but instead to try again, they decided to let
   their anger be channeled to the Orsesokhin government that was
   responsible for the delivery. Thoengling had paid up front and didn't
   like that their new craft got stolen under their noses. So they
   invaded the system in 1088.
   
   Kforuzeng's new craft named Akhaegtoullae (Swift Fighter). The choice
   of craft proved to be excellent when the craft after the refitting of
   computers, powerplant and armament was able to outgun and outmaneuver
   most craft at its size.
   
   In 1089 Ksangu dies of an illness he got from an insectbite. The cure
   would have been simple if it wasn't for his allergy for the insect and
   some of the neccesary medifications.
   
1091 to 1100 

   The organization was well oiled and each sub leader had his or hers
   part of their domain to administer. Several interstellar governments
   sought their expertise in warfare, and hired them for protection of
   their borders, or to do a single operation against an enemy they had.
   Both in space and on ground.
   
   Plundering along the Imperial border was also on their agenda, and
   many worlds had visits from them more than once. They soon became
   known as ruthless murderers. Which to a extent can be said it was
   true.
   
   Dzenae himself ruled that civilians should not be harmed if it could
   be prevented. Ksangu also held this policy, but it got difficult, if
   not impossible to enforce. The corsair units that joined in the
   trailing subsectors of Gvurrdon saw the Kforuzeng as a tool to get
   even with the Imperium for the injustice done in the past history.
   
   However disaster struck in this period. Their BB that they had stolen
   from dock had been ridden with problems since they had taken it. It
   had fought well in the few campaigns it had been on. On a routine
   mission it dissapeared. It was followed by a small group of VP type
   corsairs. When they emerged jumpspace Akhaegtoullae was nowhere to be
   seen. The ship has been missing since then.
   
1101 to 1105

   In this period Kforuzeng expanded into Tuglikki sector. A few bases
   prop up in subsector M of Tuglikki sector. The expansion trailing is
   slow in the start but by 1105 Kforuzeng monopolize the corsair
   bussines in subsector M and have a few probing operations into
   subsector N.
   
   In this period Kforuzeng had ongoing emissary contact with Commonality
   of Kedzudh. The reason is that Kforuzeng feels that they need a safe
   haven to go to if the going got too tough. In return Kforuzeng had to
   help Kedzudh with fighting other corsairs that intruded on their
   territory. This suited Kforuzeng fine, when they could keep the
   plunder from the corsairs they attacked.
   
1106 to 1108

   In this period much of the tasks to Kforuzeng is hiring out themselves
   as mercenaries. A lot of their assets are bound to operations that
   have longterm contracts. Tukera is one of the costumers. They pay well
   for having their crafts protected against attacks when they are in
   transit to and from Thoengling Empire. With other words they pay
   Kforuzeng money so that their ships can travel through Kforuzeng's
   sphere of influence.
   
   Thanks to this Kforuzeng cannot expend vargrpower on campaign into
   the imperium when the FFW starts. Near the end Kforuzeng sees the
   Imperium as an easy target to raid now that it is on the defensive.
   Fortunately for the Empire the reinforcements that came from corridor
   prevented Kforuzeng from doing anything big.
   
   Kforuzeng expanded into the three most spinward subsectors of Tuglikki
   that bordered to Domain of Deneb. Along this border Kforuzeng enjoyed
   good tidings, but alas it should last so short.
   
1109 to 1112

   Now the organization start to split. When Kforuzeng proves unable to
   do something with the Imperial threat, small groups decided that a new
   and more charismatic leader had to be found.
   
   A few found the apparent success of 40th squadron encouraging and
   enlisted there, but to no avail. 40th squadron got bloodied in that
   war.
   
   In late 1110 when the war was over, the Imperial navy turned its guns
   at Kforuzeng. Imperial Navy Intelligence started to track down
   Kforuzeng bases, and attacked them. Allkigvue, the current leader,
   felt that he was loosing the grip of the events and tried to rally the
   leaders to a desperate plan. However he lost, and retired as the head
   of Kforuzeng.
   
   Egharsgon became the new leader of Kforuzeng. He had high charisma,
   but unfortunately he lacked something that most charismatic leaders
   among Vargr miss. The skills necessary to lead and make plans. It
   looked like he would be able to pull it off, but it soon become
   apparent that he lacked the necessary skills and many groups split
   from the organization.
   
   In a desperate attempt to stay in control he formed the Gvurknuesurrg,
   a secret organization which job was to ensure that the different
   groups stayed loyal to the leadership. This group was headed by
   Gzongzuers, a Vargr with above average charisma, but very skilled at
   his work. Gzongzuers got soon tired of his work and with the waning
   charisma of the leadership. So he split and formed his own band in
   1114.
   
   In 1112 the treaty with Kedzudh got nullified, and all bases within
   Kedzudh's borders had to be closed. Kforuzeng tried to prevent this
   but with their reduced strenght they could do nothing. Unfortunately
   for Kforuzeng many of the corsairs that had their bases in Kedzudh
   joined the Commonality, when it came apparent that their charisma
   could stand up against the charisma of the leadership in Kforuzeng.
   
1113 to 1116 

   During this period Kforuzeng seems to just dwindle away as a dying
   flower. Egharsgon retired early 1115 just a few month after Gzongzuers
   decided to make his own fame. In the rest of the period no new leader
   was elected. Individual corsair captains decided to go for their own
   and split away from Kforuzeng. In 1116 the organization was only at
   20% of its original size. Most ships larger than 1000 tons were put
   into mothball, for future use. Some were sold. A couple of corsairs
   even just took the ships with them when they split. Most small and
   medium sized crafts belonged to their captains, so they disappear when
   they joined others or formed their own bands.
   
   In end of 1116 and in the beginning of 1117 the rumors about the
   problems in the Imperium trailing of Gvurrdon started to make its
   appearance, and the newly arrived tirades of Oekhsos that sparked the
   anti-Imperial flame in the extends. The organization could have been
   discontinued hadn't it been for these events. A new leader arose from
   the council of leaders. This new leader have both charisma and the
   necessary skill to run a corsair band. She came to power by
   assassinating her adversaries to the leadership. Anuekhs An Gzoug
   (Flame that burns) which she calls herself. No one knows her real
   name, and no one have dared to ask.
   
1117 to Present

   She soon saw the possibilities that lay open to rise Kforuzeng back to
   its former glory. She decided to contact Kedzudh to sign a new
   contract treaty. This was done in mid 1117. Encouraged by the flowing
   news about the continuous success among the corsairs trailing of
   Gvurrdon, sparked her inspiration.
   
   With the conclusion of the treaty or contract with Kedzudh, a treaty
   Imperial officials refer to as the Glass-Bond, the coalition set out
   to remove the Imperial presence in Gvurrdon sector. The Imperial Naval
   outpost at Triad (Gvurrdon 2436) was the first victim to their
   assault. Only a few managed to escape the onslaught from the
   coalition. Secondly Pandrin stood for turn. At Pandrin, Oberlindes
   Lines had a major center there for trading with Vargr merchants.
   Luckily enough the staff at the center had been given advanced warning
   enough so that they could escape capture, but much expensive equipment
   had to be left behind.
   
   Late 1117 The Kforuzeng/Kedzudh coalition poured over the Imperial
   borders, mainly into Aramis subsector in Spinward Marches. This
   happened after several softening and probing attacks earlier the same
   year. The news of that the Aslans had penetrated the Spinward Marches
   borders to the rimward was encouraging on the leadership of the
   coalition, and renewed energy were put into the attacks.
   
   However in the eve of 1120 the coalition lost some ground, but the
   losses haven't discouraged the corsairs. More Vargr are rallying to
   build up the former glory of Kforuzeng.
   
Organization of Kforuzeng

   In the first years the chain of command was linear, from leader
   through individual captains of the different ships down to the
   ensigns. Just like a chain of command found in the armed forces. As
   the organization growed, it could not continue to be like this.
   Kforuzeng admistered a large area at its peak and normal linear
   commandchains just can't take that strain the Vargr psycology puts on
   it.
   
   When Kforuzeng expanded beyond the Gvurrdon borders, the leadership
   soon realised that they had to appoint charismatic leaders to
   subgroups. At the peak of the organization the were much as 12
   subgroups with their own leaders that answered for their action only
   to the leadership council.
   
   The leadership council consisted of a wide variety of proffesions
   emissaries, medics, tacticians and admistrators to aid the leader in
   the decision making. In the council there were also representatives
   from each of the subgroups.
   
   Now that Kforuzeng only resides in Gvurrdon with some smaller groups
   in the spinward parts of Tuglikki sector, the leader organization have
   changed. There are still a council of different advisors, but the
   captains of the different capital ship got somewhat more to say in the
   broad sense of the decision making.
   
   The division of the grouping are changed in the broad sense, but the
   purpose and the mechanics are the same as the old system. The groups
   are as following:
   
   Tuglikki front, Gvurrdon front, Base Front and Fueznuzorg
   
   Gvurrdon Front-- This division takes care of the organization and of
   the units that help Kedzudh in the Spinward Marches conquest campaign.
   It are also responsible for the ships, personell and equipment of its
   group.
   
   Tuglikki Front-- This group have the responsibility to to raid on the
   Denebian border, and to recruit and coordinate the different
   interested corsairs in Tuglikki sector. It have also the responibility
   to stay in contact with the bands that are Trailing of Gvurrdon.
   
   Fueznuzorg-- This is maybe the most feared group in the Kforuzeng
   organization. Its job is to ensure that the different other groups
   will not double cross the kforuzeng organization. In addition it hunts
   down opposition groups that split from the Kforuzeng. It can be viewed
   as an internal police and security force.
   
   Base front-- This is the main body of the organization. Its main
   responsibility is to coordinate all the groups into a single unit. It
   does also do the final decision making and the overall planning. It is
   also recruiting corsairs in Gvurrdon sector.
   
Fighting Ships of Kforuzeng

   At its peak, Kforuzeng had only 35+ ships that was mainly of type VP
   corsair. In 1115 this number was down to 8. and Most of them was put
   into mothball. Kforuzeng had also a small number of ships larger than
   1000 tons. Most of these disappeared in the period 1107 to 1116. Their
   largest ship at present is a 75,000ton cruiser. This craft was found
   in late 1119 orbiting a moon in Angasaer system. There was apparent
   that the crew had died from a combination of jumpspace exposure and a
   busted environment system. Currently the craft is under extensive
   repair. The craft is expected to be ready for duty in 1123. At the
   moment the craft cargohold is seconding as a prisoncamp.
   
   After the Rebellion started and the Glass-bond was signed, the number
   of crafts have been increasing. The collected wealth from the past got
   spent on new ship that they ordered from several warfs around the
   Gvurrdon sector. The most notable purchase is the new flagship Ozarr
   that have been finaly finished after several years of delay due to
   problems to finance a spinal mount.
   
   Kedzudh possessed a large number of crafts, and the number soared
   after the destruction if the Imperial navy base at Triad. Several ship
   here were surprised in their docks, and could not break free before it
   was too late. Here the Glass-bond coalition captured 5 capital ships.
   Three of them was given to Kforuzeng. At the beginning of the war with
   the Imperium the number of crafts were about 15. Most of them 200 to
   600 tons. Ozarr was put into duty after several months of testing in
   1119. After the attack on the Imperial Navy outpost at Triad,
   Kforuzeng got awarded with one small Fast Cruiser and two Heavy
   Destroyers. A number of other small crafts were also captured.
   
   New recruitment ave further increased the number of crafts, so
   currently (year 1120) there is about 44 ships of size 200 to 800 tons.
   Four active ships of 10,000tons plus. Counting ships the organization
   is a bit larger than before, but the vargrpower and territory is only
   a fraction of what it was.
   
   The fleet organization is loose. Ships are frequently changed between
   the squadrons. This have made difficulties for the INI, when they
   never can with certainty say what kind of ships the Kforuzeng force
   have at a given time. Small Kforuzeng units have been known to operate
   far as 13 parsecs into the Spinward Marches. Larger units with larger
   ships usually keeps themselves at the frontline.
   
   The TLs of the crafts vary greatly, but most crafts are at the TL 13
   scale with a few on TL 11 and 12. About 25% are of TL 14 and 15.
   
Future Plans

   Anuekhs An Gzoug has big plans for the future Kforuzeng. She's trying
   to expand the organization further trailing, and to get in contact
   with the groups that occupy Corridor sector. She wants to thrust into
   Deneb sector to get to the naval depot there. This facility holds many
   things that she desires to use for expand her group, but it also would
   be a strong positive increase in charisma if she can pull this off.
   This is an ambitious goal, and she know that she can't try to do this
   move before she get Kforuzeng back to its former glory and bigger.
   Having contact with the Vargr forces in Corridor would help
   considerably.
   
   One of the many things she wants is black globes for her capital
   ships. This would increase the Kforuzeng fleet strength manyfold. But
   she will need help from the independent groups in Tuglikki and she
   will need support from the Corridor occupants to pull this off.
   
Personalities of Kforuzeng

   Many of the council members in the Kforuzeng's leadership have
   different backgrounds. A large organization like this needs a leader
   organization that are able to draw inputs from all kinds of sources
   and proffesions to be able to make the right decisions in the
   different situations. The brash nature of Vargr doesn't inhibit them
   from making cunning and well thought out plans. The stats shown here
   is picturing their status in 1120.
   
   Anuekhs An Gzoug, Kforuzeng head leader.
   
   9A596A, Age 38, Hits 4/5, Terms 5, Rank 6
   Born 023-1082 on Neredhueraeng/Gvurrdon (0939)
   Starport A, Small, Very Thin, Dry, Low pop, Low law, Avg stellar
   Handgun-0, Computer-0, Grav veh-1, Infighting-2, Fleets tactics-1,
   Zero-G Env-1, Laser weapons-1, Pilot-3, Leader-2, Ships tactic-2
   Gambling-2, Ship's boat-0
   
   Comming from a well charismatic family, she could have come a long way
   in the normal way of life. But she never found that the "normal" life
   could not quensh her thirst for adventure. She soon proved to be
   violentic in nature, which put her into trouble several times. She
   joined Groegh corsair band in 1100, which in 1103 attached itself with
   Kforuzeng. After this Anuekhs saw the potentiality to rise fast in the
   grades. Which she did. And in mid 1116 she took over as head leader
   for Kforuzeng.
   
   Oevuko Dzakhorrdze, Emissary and council member in Kforuzeng
   
   5C89D9, Age 50, Hits 4/5, Terms 8
   Born 012-1070 on Llathoevaghoe/Gvurrdon (0323)
   Starport B, Med, Std Atm, Wet, Mod pop, High law, Early stellar
   Computer-0, Grav veh-2, Handgun-2, Liaison-5, Streetwise-2 Leader-1,
   Vacc suit-1, Carousing-1, Pilot-3, Admin-1
   
   Started out his career in the emissary school of Tsu Thoezhou, the
   emissary school owned by the Zhosokh Urs. Graduated as the best of his
   class. Joined Kforuzeng in 1100 when they was searching for a skilled
   emissary to handle their contact with Kedzudh. At this time it was
   apparent that Kforuzeng could offer good charisma increasment for
   those who worked for them. He managed to get results in the tense and
   sceptical leaders in Kedzudh, by persuade them to believe that they
   would be free of corsairs if they signed this treaty. In 1116 he
   managed to repair the severed bonds with the Kedzudh allegiance.
   
   Khanzungin, Anuekhses bodyguard (ex-rogue)
   
   E9B5C7, Age 34, Hits 5/7, Terms 4
   Born 1086 on Ellfaegoezou/Gvurrdon (0808)
   Starport E, Med, Dense atm, Wet, Mod pop, High law, Industrial
   Wheeled veh-1, Handgun-2, Streetwise-2, Carousing-3 Infighting-3,
   Demolition-1, JOT-1
   
   Joined the Kforuzeng a few years ago by a mistake. A lucky mistake in
   Khanzungin's eyes. He left his home planet early at an age of 15
   years. He was a stowaway on a merchant that visited his home system.
   He was detected and handed over to the local lawenforces at the
   destination planet. His parents was not found when he did not want to
   cooperate with the police. At an age of 18 he ran away again, and
   started his career as a rogue. In 1114 he coincidentaly broke into a
   warehouse where a small group of Kforuzeng corsairs had staged a
   meeting with the local mafia. The local police had the warehouse under
   observation. When the police took action, Khazungin found himself
   helping the corsairs to get away. It turned out that Anuekhs was
   heading this group, and they have stayed together since then. He is
   now a bodyguard for her, but many suspect that there is more than just
   the bodyguard business that holds them together. Many finds him
   attractive and sympatic. His carousing skill have helped him out of
   more than one difficult situation. Even humans find him sympatic for a
   corsair. Being a Urzaeng Vargr he stands nearly 200cm tall.
   
   Dholltogaegae, Corsair and Base front security chief.
   
   9A8976, Age 42, Hits 4/6, Terms 6
   Born 054-1078 on Raezarourkallarakhs/Gvurrdon (1126)
   Starport C, Small, Wet, Std Atm, Low pop, No law, Avg Stellar
   Handgun-0, Grav Veh-1, Ship's boat-1, Bribery-1, Zero-G-3 Leader-1,
   Intrusion-2, Vacc suit-1, Computer-3, Rifleman-2
   
   Took over as security chief short after that Anuekhs took over as the
   head leader. However his skills haven't improved his charismatic
   standing much, when Anuekhs and Dholltogaegae got two different ways
   to implement security measures. Dholltogaegae takes his work
   seriously, and most others have found his company straining. He is
   often in conflict with Anuekhs, which has made his status strained
   among other Vargr. In the beginning they worked well together, but the
   happiness soon disappeared when it became apparent that Anuekhs found
   it more enjoyable to be with her bodyguard than with Dholltogaegae.
   And he hates Anuekhs bodyguard. If he can get away with it, he will
   kill him.
   
   Kfoerrgsaksorz Dzekh, Medical advisor and council member.
   
   5C5E78, Age 58, Hits 3/5, Terms 10
   Born 248-1062 on Gantsugh/Gvurrdon (0809)
   Starport A, Asteroid, Vac, Desert, Low pop, No Law, Avg Stellar
   Grav Veh-0, Vacc suit-0, Handgun-0, Computer-2, Small blade-1
   Genetics-2, Liaison-2, Medic-5, Mechanical-7
   
   Got early on interested in medical subjects. As a young she always
   helped out on the station her parents lived on when someone got hurt.
   Took basic studies by ordering a study package from Feki, a school
   that sends out packages for students that live at places that makes it
   difficult to attend to colleges and universities the normal way. She
   soon worked up skill enough to get a certificate. When she got this
   she took job onboard a liner-freighter. She worked on several ships,
   until the ship she worked on got attacked by Kforuzeng corsairs in
   1102. Until this she had not experienced any increase in charisma. She
   saw this as an opportunity to get better pay and reputation. She was
   accepted as a member when she showed that she could work wonders with
   her hands. Her mechanical skill proves its versatility when making
   prosthetics. She raised fast in charisma, and was taken up into the
   council in 1109 as medical advisor. Lately she has also widen her
   field into psychological matters.
   
The Insignia

   The insingia of Kforuzeng represents the spiraling arms of the galaxy.
   The insignia bears some resemblence to Dulinors insignia. Kforuzeng's
   insignia are oftenly placed above the insignia of the different groups
   within Kforuzeng.
   
   The insignia got official in 1052 when the group got tired of the old
   mark. Which actually came from the interstellar government that Dzenae
   Aekoe came from. Because of this the group was oftenly mistaken for
   someone else. Sometimes this could be an advantage, but in the long
   run there was no Charisma to earn on the old symbol.
   
   The spiral symbol show that the Kforuzeng group had big plans and was
   optimistic about the future. A galaxy spanning group they understood
   was impossible, but a sector wide group or larger could be realised if
   nothing went wrong.
   

Oruelaen

   
                  ORUELAEN, PSIONIC FORCES OF THIRZ EMPIRE
                                       
                                Roger Myhre
   
     _________________________________________________________________
 
 
Introduction

   When Thirz empire was first founded in 1016 the Zhodani found it wise
   to have good relations to the new founded empire. Not that it feared
   it, but because the relationship would be of most importance when it
   came to the control of space in non Zhodani territories.
   
   Zhodani realized that they would have difficulties to control the
   corsair threat without outside help. Thirz Empire was found to be the
   best candidate. Thirz the First enjoyed high Charisma increases after
   he was proclaimed king. With Zhodani help he could expand his borders
   both spinward and trailing.
   
   Out of this cooperation there was trained a few selected sophonts to a
   new special force. A psionic force group (PSG) called Oruelaen.
   
   The close contact with Zhodani gave cheap and quite reliable psionic
   training to those who could afford it. The royal family is tested and
   trained for free.
   
Roles of the PSG

   The PSG is a small group of 250 sophonts. Officially they are known as
   the Royal Guard. This guard or group has several roles, both publicly
   and more secret roles. Only about 50 of the members are known by the
   public. And about 12 of those are truly famous. The others have not
   been recognised by name when they are doing jobs that demands
   discretion.
   
   The group is not a intelligence group, but have close contacts with
   the Thirz Empire Intelligence network. The main roles for this group
   is:
     * Bodyguard for the King. 12 Sophonts are designated as permanent
       bodyguard for the King, and at least four is present at all times
       when the king meet strangers.
     * Public relations. This is one of the smallest jobs the group does.
       It handles the communication with news agencies when the group is
       officially on a given mission. Giving relevant information of what
       is happening or have happened.
     * Investigation. If some problem arise that the king finds
       particulary interesting he may dispatch a few PSG members to the
       site to collect data. Sometimes this collides with the
       Intelligence network. At moments as this there will be cooperation
       between these two groups.
     * Undercover. Sending members on undercover missions is extremely
       rare. When it is done, there is almost always with the
       Intelligence Network.
     * War missions. Also a rare occurrence. Usually they are only sent
       out on observation missions, but certain special missions may be
       undertaken. This is then done with special forces that are trained
       to operate behind the enemy lines.
     * Observers. When certain actions are taken. For instance when
       diplomats are on a emissary mission agents may be present to
       observe and protect the diplomats.
   
Organization

   Due to the prestige and the small size of the group, there is
   difficult to enlist as a PSG member. Even more difficult is it to
   increase in rank. PSG members are seldom on dangerous missions without
   backup from skilled personnel (field agents, commandos).
   
   The only way to increase in rank is when a higher ranked officer is
   killed, retired or demoted and discharged. The king "owns" the group
   and may issue any order to it as he sees fit. The king holds the rank
   of General.
   
   Due to the high responsibility each individual has, the lowest rank is
   Sergeant. Thus making the lower rank members able to throw some weight
   around if need be. However they are not to take command if there is a
   lower ranked that are present that know the job in question in and
   out.
   
   Example: If a commando unit with one PSG officer present ends up in a
   situation that calls for special measures. The PSG officer may not
   take command even if the commando unit officer is of lower rank. If
   the PSG officer can prove that the commando officer is unable to do
   his job properly he may take command. In the latter case this will go
   to a hearing to investigate if the PSG officer acted within his
   authority.
   
Other Races Within the Force

   PSG accepts other races as members in their ranks if they have high
   PSI rating. Currently (1120) there is one Droyne Sport and two humans.
   There have been a few members from other minor races in the force, but
   that was in the early days.
   
Generating a PSG Member

   If you need a NPC or a PC wants to become a PSG member there is a few
   criteria that have to be fulfilled.
     * PSI rating of 8+.
     * Citizen of Thirz Empire.
     * Preferably one of these PSI abilities.
          + Telepathy.
          + Telekinesis.
          + Clairvoyancy.
          + Any useful special ability.
            
   Droynes are a special case. When they start with 1D in PSI rating. A
   new started Droyne can join if he has 5+ in PSI rating.
   
   When a person decided to join he or she is checked for how strong he
   or she is Psionically. If the strength is more than 8 he may then take
   tests. If the person manages to enlist he is trained in the abilities
   he got. The first year of the first term is used for training. Each
   ability start at level 1. At the end of each term roll on the table
   below to see how much the skill have increased the last four years.
   The skill level may not become higher than the PSI rating. Roll for
   each ability.
   
   For those who manage to enlist in this branch, increase charisma with
   one.
   
   Roll  PSI Skill Increase   |     Skill received:
    1        +2               |     Per term of service- 1
    2        +4               |     For each Commission- 1
    3        +4               |     For Promotion-       1
    4        +5               |     For Special Duty-    1
    5        +5               |     +1 if difficulty number is
    6        +7               |     beaten by 4+ on Comm and Special Dty.
   
   When the skill of a Droyne has reached upper limit of PSI skill, and
   the PSI rating is increased further the skill is automatically
   increased too.
   
   Enlist: 11+ on 2D. DM+1 if PSI rating 11. DM+1 if more than 1 ability.

                   Roll      Notes
   Survival          5       DM+1 if Int 9+
   Commission        7       DM+1 If Int 9+
   Success       See below   DM+1 if Cha 7+, DM+1 if Edu 10+
   Special Duty      9
   Reenlist          6

   Success Table (2D)                  Ranks
   -------------------------------------------------------------
    2  Discharge with Cha-2        1 Sergeant
    3  Discharge with Cha-1        2 Lieutenant
    4  No effect                   3 Captain
    5  No effect                   4 Major
    6  No effect                   5 Lieutenant Colonel
    7  No effect                   6 Colonel
    8  No effect                   7 General++
    9  No effect                   ++) No character may get this
   10  Promoted 1 rank                 rank.
   11  Promoted 1 rank, Cha +1
   12  Promoted 1 rank, Cha +2
   
      Rank Skills:
      Sergeant Gun combat+1
      Captain Leader+1
      Colonel Liaison+1
   
   Skills

   Personal          Career      Education        Advanced
   Development       Skills      Skill            Education.
   ------------------------------------------------------------
   1 +1 Int           Admin       Vehicle          Space Comb
   2 +1 Edu           Mx Comb     Spc Comb         Interperson
   3 Physical         Mx Comb     Forensic         Legal
   4 +1 Dex           Reco        Legal            Academic
   5 Inborn           Strwise     Tech             Liaison
   6 +1 Cha           Interview   Vice             Space
                                                  -------------
                                                  Min Cha of 8
                                                  is required on
                                                  this table.
   Muster out
       Cash          Benefit
   --------------------------
   1   10,000        PSI drug
   2   30,000        Weapon
   3   50,000        Cha+1
   4   90,000        Int+1
   5  100,000        HiPas
   6  140,000        Grant
   
   Cascade skills:
   Inborn: Artisan, Carousing, Instruction, JOT, Tactics, Leader
   Interpersonal: Admin, Interview, Liaison, Linguistics, Steward
   Mx Comb: Infighting, Blade CBT, Gun CBT, +1 Str, +1 End
   Physical: +1 Str, +1 Dex, +1 End
   Spc Comb: Btl Drs, Cbt Eng, Cbt Rflmn, Demo, FA Gnry, Fwd Ob Grav
    belt, Hvy Wpns, Hi-eng Wpns, Hi-g Env, Stealth Survival, Zero-g Env
   Space: Engineering, Navigation, Pilot, Sensor ops, Ship's boat,
    Vacc-suit, Zero-g Env Space Comb: Fleet tactics, Gunnery, Sensor ops,
    Ship tactics
   Tech: Commo, Comp, Elec, Gravitics, Robot ops, Sensor ops Vehicle:
    Aircraft, Grav belt, Grav Veh, Ships boat, Tracked Veh, Watercraft,
    Wheeled Vehicle
   Vice: Bribery, Disguise, Forgery, Gambling, Intrusion, Scrounging
    Streetwise
   
   Benefits:
   PSI drug: The character get 2 doses of PSI drug of refs choise.
   Weapons : The character may select any weapons except plasma or fusion
    weapons or heavy weapons.
   Grant: The character is given a grant worth up to
    (10,000*Cha)+(1000*rank). This may be whatever the refereee finds most
    appropriate for the character and the campaign the referee are going
    to run. Expensive equipment like vehicles may be a good choise. If
    grant is rolled more than once. Add 1000 to the maximum amount for
    each additional roll. Discharged characters may not get a grant.
   
Notes on Droynes

   To measure the level of Charisma of a Droyne: +1 Cha per term of
   service, +1 per every second leader skill. Initial Cha level is half
   the total amount.
   
   In this character generation procedure there is assumed that the
   Droyne is used to interact with Vargr so he start at full level.
   
   Differently from others the Droynes increase in PSI level as they grow
   older. A Droyne character may change any of the rolls on the personal
   development table for +1 in PSI level, once per term. The maximum PSI
   level possible is 15. Any increment in Cha from other rolls may be
   used to increase PSI rating with one.

Rukh

   
            RUKH, A SHORT OVERVIEW OF THIS ZHODANI FRIENDLY STATE
                                       
                             Roger Myhre

   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
History

   In 1067 Rukh took control over the Aegs worlds. At that time there was
   internal difficulties, and civil war. During the most heated
   confrontations Rukh was bidding his time. When the factions at last
   agreed on armistice, Rukh took control by overthrowing the different
   leaders. This increased his overall charisma, which was already high.
   
   He restored law and order in the realm. This maneuver and his high
   charisma won billions of followers that gathered under his flock. He
   secured a local powerbase of enormous proportions.
   
   However not everyone liked his maneuver to gain power. Many worlds
   rimward of Saell opposed to Rukh. They formed the Gnoerrg Rukh Loell.
   The anti-Rukh Coalition. This coalition has been a thorn in the side
   of Rukh since then.
   
   In 1094 The original leader Rukh died. But his successors continue his
   work through his dogma. After his death they lost a few worlds. The
   anti-Rukh coalition increased their effort to foil the works of Rukh
   in the hope that more worlds would pull out.
   
   However this was not the case. The Rukh government had too much
   control on local level to that the Anti-Rukh could have much effect.
   
   In 1112 Anti-Rukh started an operation to undermine the relations
   between Rukh and the Zhodani. Agents working for Anti-Rukh had managed
   to forge 6 Zhodani charge plates. The zhodani manages to get their
   hands on five of the plates. Which had been given to a small group of
   innocents. However the sixth plate did never turn up. One thing that
   was clear is that Anti-Rukh did not have the sixth plate.
   
   A vargr named Ronak was suspected of being the owner of the last
   plate. he never turned up. After a few years it became apparent that
   this plate had been reproduces, when different merchandise was paid
   with counterfeit charge plates. Anti-Rukh used this to disrupt trading
   and diplomatic relations between Rukh and Zhodani. The result was that
   several worlds between Rukh and Zhodani left Rukh.*
   
   To and answer to this the Rukh attacked Anti-Rukh physically. But the
   worlds that lie in between worked as a bufferzone. This lessened the
   effect somewhat. Anti-Rukh did not loose any territory, but a lot of
   damage to the system was a fact.
   
Government

   At first when Rukh seized control of the small Aegs federation
   billions flocked to hi because of his extreme charisma. However soon
   they also realized that he made his rule to something near a religion.
   anti-governmental work is prosecuted severely.
   
   The Rukh government are an elite council which are leaded by a
   dictator. The individual worlds have little local control when it
   comes to exterior policy. Internal policy is somewhat lesser
   controlled. But the Rukh doctrine must be followed. World governments
   are not represented in the Rukh government. They have to follow the
   whim of the Rukh government at any level. Worlds to have public
   election on local rulers, but the candidates have to be approved by
   the Rukh assembly.
   
   One of the first acts Rukh did when he had secured his powerbase, was
   to nationalize most of the bigger corporations. Especially Saell felt
   this. Seall is overpopulated, and the unemployment rate was extreme.
   The nationalization of the largest companies helped distribute the
   goods more evenly, but to the cost of galloping inflation.
   
Military

   All military forces are gathered under a central command. The forces
   are usually built from the world they are going to protect, but units
   often do change bases from one world to another. This circulation
   prevents worlds to have soldiers that will not shoot at locals in case
   of upheaval. Soldiers sympathize less with vargr they do not know.
   
   The military forces are financed by taxation of the individual
   sophont on the different worlds.
   
Internal (Un)rest

   To maintain control over the population to that degree the government
   have, they need an opposition. To Anti-Rukh's annoyance, they
   represent this opposition. Militarily Rukh could have crushed
   Anti-Rukh in matter of months. But by doing this they will loose the
   external enemy the government need gather the population against.
   
   Thus Anti-Rukh are actually allowed some success in their work. But
   then only on a limited scale. Time to time Anti-Rukh have had some
   very successful operations. More successful than the Rukh would have
   allowed if they could control the events completely.
   
   However there is internal difficulties as well. The knowledge about
   the universe outside Rukh is limited by the general population. This
   helps to disinform the populace. So generally the population believes
   that the Anti-Rukh is the big bad alien that will kill them if they
   get the chance.
   
   The coreward worlds of Rukh are more distant to Anti-Rukh, thus the
   treat from them is smaller. To make this treat larger, Rukh have
   allowed a small number of Anti-Rukh sediments infiltrate these worlds.
   Rukh do also carry out operations to scare the population to believe
   that there is more enemies present than there really is. Thus creating
   the illusion of that they have been penetrated and the enemy is
   constantly in their midst.
   
Uku

   Uku is the secret police in Rukh. It is divided into four branches.
   Each with their own responsibility. The branches are:
     * Counter espionage. This branch monitor and arrest foreign spies
       that operates within the borders of Rukh.
     * Espionage. This branch run cover operation outside Rukh borders.
       Mainly in Anti-Rukh worlds, and in the worlds between Rukh and
       Zhodani.
     * Population control. This branch, which is the largest, monitors
       internal dissidents. This branch operates closely with Counter
       Espionage branch.
     * Military intelligence. This branch gathers military information
       from other worlds and interstellar governments outside Rukh.
       
   Uku have operatives and offices on all planets within Rukh borders.
   They are known to be ruthless, and are feared by the general
   population.
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
   * The book Alien Realms covers this incident in the module No Credit
   Check. The module do not specify what the following to this incident
   will be. By comparing the map in AM3 with the map in V&V there is a
   few worlds that have left Rukh. I decided that this incident caused
   this.
   

Society of Equals

   
                 SOCIETY OF EQUALS, OR GEORGE ORWELL 5600AD
                                       
                               Roger Myhre
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
History

   Society of Equals (SoE) are one of the oldest interstellar governments
   in Gvurrdon. It dates back to about year 400. Lack of records make
   this date uncertain. Neither are there any records available that
   tells who founded this government.
   
   In the latest 300 years it have stood as a steady rock in the usually
   fluctuating structure of the Vargr society. But this is only on the
   surface. It has gone through a lot of changes since it was founded
   years back.
   
   From 930 to 1030 it quadrupled in size, most of it can be explained by
   sharp charismatic increase in the leaders, but equally true is it that
   much of the territory fell for conquest. From 1030 to about 1110 there
   was little change in territorial boundaries.
   
   SoE had for a long time border disputes with Thirz Empire. In 1109
   when the old king of Thirz Empire died, plans for conquest in Thirz
   was laid. The young Vargr that inherited the throne was viewed as
   low-charismatic by the leaders in SoE. They counted on that his
   inexperience and relatively low charisma would make it an easy
   victory.
   
   In 1111 they attacked over a broad frontline. At first they penetrated
   relatively deep into Thirz territory, but then it stopped. Thirz
   through their contact with the Zhodani managed to regroup and rebuilt
   what they had lost of military material. The throne heir did also have
   excellent leader capability which helped win the war for the Thirz
   Empire. When peace came in 1116 SoE had lost about 47% of their
   territory. Most of it to Thirz Empire. A few worlds rebelled and
   proclaimed themselves independent.
   
Government

   Society of Equals are ruled by an elite council. This council are
   staffed by the most charismatic persons in the empire. There is one
   representative from each world. They have one vote every million
   inhabitant for the world they come from. Those worlds that do not have
   one million inhabitants have to group together so that they can get
   one or more votes.
   
   A council member sits until there comes another Vargr with higher
   charisma. As a rule of thumb, the one with the lowest charisma in the
   council must retire or withdraw if there is someone that have higher
   charisma.
   
Equality, what equality?

   The gimmick with SoE is that before you can call yourself a worthy
   citizen of SoE, you have to be rated Equal. If a Vargr (or some other
   sophont) are going to have any of these careers he or she must be
   rated equal: Any military, Leader, Aristocrat and law enforcer.
   
   Even cubs from parents that have been rated equal must go through a
   test. Anyone that wants to may go through the test. It is usually
   taken at age of 16 to 18 years old.
   
   Not being rated equal do not spell disaster, but the choice of jobs
   are limited. For cubs to an aristocrat there will be a loss when the
   test fails. To be able to inherit the title and the estates the cub
   must be rated equal. If not, the cub will loose most of the
   inheritance.
   
   The law does protect the un-equal from abuse, but they must take what
   is second best. If a new world is to be colonized the Equals may
   choose first where they want to have their estates mines or what ever.
   
   
   Those who fail the test get their canines pulled. In this way there
   will be no question about their social status. Those who do not take
   this test usually becomes wanderers. When they are inside the borders
   of SoE they must wear a special head wear and belt. These are not
   treated like citizens, so they cannot get any work. However they are
   free to go where they please as everyone else.
   
   REFEREE: For characters that are born in Dzen Aeng Kho, they have to
   roll this task before they choose one of the following careers: Any
   military, Leader, Aristocrat and Law enforcer.
   
   Difficult,End,Int,[Hazardous]
   
   Referee: On a major mishap roll 1D+1 and subtract STR, DEX and END of
   the indicated amount. Example: The PC rolls a 4. He must subtract 2
   from STR and one from both DEX and END. For those who manage this task
   give a CHA+1 and a DM+1 on the enlistment roll on the chosen career.
   If the parents of the character is rated equal give a DM+1 on the
   above task. The parents are rated equal on a roll of 9+ on 2D.
   
Ranking

   An Equal ranks above an unequal vargr, but there are exceptions. For
   instance an Unequal vargr may own a starship and have a crew which is
   mixed with Equal and Unequal crew. This tend to be rare, but the
   situation exist. Because a vargr is unequal he or she are not
   prevented from starting their own business. Equal vargr that seeks
   employment with them are doing this on their own. And are not forced
   in any way to do so.
   
Slavery

   Only equals may have slaves. No citizen of SoE may become slaves,
   Equal or not. However there are rules about temporal slavery for
   unequals when they cannot pay for any damage they do on someone elses
   property.
   
   Slaves from outside are to be protected from hazards, but they can be
   put to dangerous and risky jobs. But only if they get neccesary safety
   equipment. A slave may also be sold further to others if the need
   arise.
   
   Slaves are slaves for life. If the owner decides he or she may free
   the slave from slavery. Usually slaves that have performed far beyond
   their required service are often set free. A slave that have been set
   free must get funds enough to survive a month. A free slave may
   applicate for citizenship and then also become an Equal if the test
   for that rating is passed.
   
Military

   The interstellar forces are financed by taxes of the different worlds.
   Council members have to contribute with their personal forces. How
   much they must contribute with depends on how wealthy and how large
   the population of his or hers world is. Low populated worlds usually
   only contribute with vargrpower that crew starships or are placed into
   infantry forces. More wealthy members contribute with starships.
   Larger starships like destroyers and cruisers are financed by the
   taxes.
   
The Insignia

   The insignia symbols the canines of an equal. The canines are the
   symbol of strength and power. Who came up with the symbol is unknown,
   but the symbol is not as old as the SoE is.
   
   The teeth are white while the background is red, just like in the
   mouth of a Vargr. On military vehicles and starships the teeth are
   usually tipped with red so it looks like they have been drawn blood.
   The honorary guard have teeth painted in silver. This symbols their
   steel hard discipline and strength.

Thirz Empire

                THIRZ EMPIRE, THE "CLIENT STATE" TO ZHODANI
                                       
                              Roger Myhre
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
History

   Thirz Empire was founded in 1016 by Aztangkuella Thir(1). He came from
   an old family of aristocrats. Thir was born 969 on Uthgvoe (Gvurrdon
   0512). When he came of age he started in politics and soon got popular
   for his high charisma.
   
   In 1012 the interstellar government that Uthgvoe belonged to went
   through political upheaval. A short civil war followed. Uthgvoe was
   spared from most of the war by declaring neutrality. When the
   combatants had expended most its fighting strength Thir took a
   gambling chance an appealed to both sides. Peace talks started in late
   1014, and armistice was declared. In 1015 agreement was met. And in
   1016 Thir was declared unanimous by the new council, King of the new
   established empire.
   
Government

   The King is the head of the government. Next under him is the council
   that are staffed by aristocrats that have been voted into their
   positions by the peerage. The peerage in consist of aristocrats that
   come from the different worlds in Thirz empire. A council member is
   voted into a position for 3 years. There is no limit on how long a
   member may be in the council.
   
   The different worlds are represented in the peerage, but only one
   aristocrat may represent the world in the council. Each world do also
   have a governor that represent the King on that world. This governor
   are usually from the world he or she is assigned to. In some cases the
   King may assign someone else as governor on that world. This is
   particulary done on worlds that have fallen for conquest. Most of the
   worlds Society of Equals lost to Thirz Empire have governors that is
   not citizen of that world.
   
   The king sits for life and his oldest son will take his seat if the
   king should die. He has vote in the council, but not a final decision.
   He have however delayed veto right. If a law or motion that he don't
   like are about to pass, he may lay down veto on the suggestion. The
   suggestion may not be taken up before 2 years have passed. The only
   member that can take it up before this time, is the king himself.
   
Military

   All military forces in the imperium is under the kings command without
   exception when he can declare that the nation is under threat by
   outsiders. In peacetime he can only command the Imperial navy and the
   Imperial troop forces. These forces are financed in several ways.
   
     * Hiring out forces to non-Thirz worlds that need help.
     * Taxes on the different worlds.
     * Piracy in hostile space
       
Relations to Zhodani 

   When Thir began to expand his imperium, Zhodani sought his cooperation
   when they could use him as a tool to prevent corsairs intruding on
   their worlds. They have helped Thirz Imperium with many things. A few
   of these things are:
   
     * Cheap psionic training for the royal family
     * Military aid. Giving Thirz better technology
     * Financial aid. Helping Thirz to establish trade agreement with
       Zhodani worlds.
     * Military advisors.
       
   Because of this many outside Vargr views Thirz Empire as a large
   client state of Zhodani.
   
Current King

   The current king Oekhueso Thir took over only 20 years old in 1109. He
   is the fourth king in succession. His first major test was the
   Equality war fought from 1111 to 1116. Thanks to his training from his
   father and his tutors he managed to keep the enemy at bay. Even for
   his inexperience he managed to keep the council together so that he
   could draw on their experience to solve matters. He did not make any
   rash decisions. His analytical mind helped him to take the correct
   decisions where it counted.
   
   After the war he rolled on a wave of high charismatic increase. In the
   latest years he have been working to get the worlds conquered from
   Society of Equals to accept his leadership. A few worlds have been
   swayed when their living standard have improved somewhat after the
   war.
   
   Oekhueso Thir Current king of Thirz Empire
   
   59587B Hits 3/4 Terms: 3 Born 305-1089 on Uthgvoe
   Psionic power: 10, has no psionic ability.
   Handgun-1, Computer-1, Grav veh-1, Leader-3, Tactics-1, History-1
   
Insignia 

   The insignia of Thirz Empire is the same used by the family of Thir in
   more than 1200 years. The circle under the shield holds the personal
   emblem of the family member. Thus the shield is present in all the
   family insignias, but the personal insignia within this circle changes
   from person to person. Thus when the old king died in 1109, all
   military starships and banners had to change the circle under the
   shield to the one now present. The old king had a red flower as his
   personal emblem.
   
    The swords got red pommel and the shield is colored blue on the
   dexter side (left), and green in the sinister side (right). The star
   is black with bright golden background. The lower part of the wreath
   looking thing is colored blue like the dexter side of the shield.
   While the two branches that circles the shield has the same green
   color on the lower part as the sinister side of the shield. The upper
   part got a lighter shade of green.
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
   (1) On Uthgvoe the "z" in Thirz shows that the word Thirz is used as
   pronoun hinting to who owns the Imperium.

Travelling in Gvurrdon

                        TRAVELLING IN GVURRDON SECTOR
                                       
                                Roger Myhre
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   

   As Gvurrdon is the only Vargr sector that survived the Virus, most of
   the everyday activities in this sector has been changed to ensure its
   survivability. The factions has been forced to cooperated with each
   other (sort of), to ensure this. However as the years has gone since
   the Virus struck, its presence as a danger source has been
   diminishing. Not that the Vargr populace are ignorant, but when the
   encounter with Virus ridden ships has been almost nonexistent since
   1190 the drive for re-expansion is making its presence. Only whats
   left of Thoengling Empire is taking a firm stand against recontact the
   lost Vargr worlds. Regencys pressure on this ssue is also an important
   factor.
   
   Referees should limit the accessability over the UWP codes in Gvurrdon
   for two reasons. Firstly the information flow in Gvurrdon is slow, and
   the Vargr society is under constant change, and that drastically.
   Something that was true yesterday, may not be that today. Secondly is
   that one third of Gvurrdon is in the wilds. The players may dig up
   information on the worlds, but they should be old and outdated. The
   only information that holds true, is the worlds size, atmosphere and
   hydrosphere. These physical stats will not be changed by the Virus.
   
   Referees shoul also note that two of the worlds within the wilds are
   not rated as wilds in the trade classifications. The Droyne world,
   Tanga (2005) survived because Droyne with computer empathy
   interrogated the starship computers, if they was found containing the
   Virus, the ship was destroyed, without exceptions. Visitors to this
   world will find the Droyne mildly hostile. And everyone will get their
   ships searched, and computer checked thoroughly. Those who resist will
   be killed. No exceptions, and no appology offered. The other world
   Ozago (3107) with the alien race Opliaraz are so low in tech level
   that the Virus only had minor consequences. However players should not
   know this before they visit these places. Both of these systems has
   actually experienced increase of technology since the Virus arrived.
   
   Starship travel is at its high now in The New Era. Starship purchase
   is somewhat down, when all the factions has put up quarantine
   regulations. The trade between Gvurrdon states and Regency has been
   hampered by these quarantine regulations. Particalary trade from
   Gvurrdon into Regency has been hurt the most, when Regency has the
   strictes rules on quarantine. However crafts from Thirz Empire and
   Thoengling fare better through the quarantine than other crafts.
   Crafts from Corsair's Den are not admitted at all. Thirz Empire and
   Thoengling use the same transponder system as Regency, which was
   developed to halt the spread of the Virus. Commonality of Kedzudh was
   also offered the transponder suite, but declined when they was afraid
   that the transponder system had hidden functions that could render
   their ships inoperative. An understandable concern when Kedzudh and
   the old Imperium had a war going from 1117 to about 1120. However
   Kedzudh was not blind for the Virus. It did put up safeguards, but
   Regency are still not trusting that front too much.
   
   For those who got a starship one way or the other, should ensure that
   they got a certificate and valid transponder system. Both Thirz Empire
   and Thoengling are strict on these things. before a certificate is
   issued, the craft will go through a quarantine, and extensive testing
   and examination. Since the Virus came, the demand for better
   maintained ships has been increased. Thirz and Thoengling grounds any
   craft that are poorly maintained. The crafts must also go through a
   examination every 18 months to keep its certificate. To get a
   certificate cost about 12,000 credits to keep the certificate it cost
   5000 credits. There is possible to hold certificate from several
   factions, but only the certificates from Thirz, Thoengling and Zhodani
   are of any real value. However the other states, do also require
   certificates, but their tests and screening procedures are not up to
   the standard in the above mentioned states. The price of those
   certificates are high compared to the value of it. The price ranges
   from 8000 to 20,000 credits with renewal fee of about half that each
   year.
   
   Non-aligned Vargr worlds do usually not have certification systems,
   they hold the main certificates in quite high regard, and gives the
   holders of these certificates little fuzz. Corsair's Den are maybe the
   faction that gives a damn in where the craft comes from. Ruled by the
   once widespread Kforuzeng corsair band, the faction keeps to its name.
   You can sell almost anything here, no one asks where the merchandise
   comes from. And if you want to buy something this is the place to be.
   Even if the lawlevels are quite high on one of the world, there is
   usually no problem to get whatever you look after. You just has to
   find the right people, and the lawenforcement looks the other way far
   as you don't make trouble for the citizens of the system.
   
   As it has been thougher to get a craft legally, many new aspiring
   owners steal the crafts from others. Just by crossing a border you can
   escape procecution. Taking a stolen craft to Corsair's Den are maybe
   the easiest route. If the craft is stolen from a Thirz Empire
   registrated merchant going to Society of Equals(SoE) is a good number
   two when these two factions do not go well together. The only
   requirement is that you can prove that you have not stolen the craft
   from other belonging to that faction. SoE do got got quite strict
   screening procedures, but when they test ships that are stolen from
   Thirz, they are somewaht lax about it, and the price to get the
   certificate is cut in the procedure. Same with Corsair's Den, but the
   price is quite stiff, but then again they don't care where the craft
   comes from.
   
   A new way of getting a craft is to travel into the wilds and apprehend
   a working craft there. To date no one has returned with a working
   craft. At least not alive. But this is not known, when no one would
   actually admitt they got a craft from the wilds. They would likely
   loose it to the quarantine until hell freezes over. Someone with this
   kind of plans should have both a lot of money, and high Charisma to
   get other to follow him into this crazy stunt.
   
   For Virus protection Regency views SoE as the weakest link. This is
   due to that it does not go well with Thirz Empire. Thirz Empire has
   its guard up. Something that both Regency and Zhodani has seen to.
   Thirz Empire got a large fleet of naval ships to meet any Virus
   infected ships. Crafts that do not have the correct codes will
   immediately be put under quarantine, and movement restrictions. If the
   craft do not follow instruction it will be destroyed without warning.
   SoE views the naval build up in Thirz Empire suspiciously, diverging
   naval and intelligence resources to monitor Thirz Empire than watch
   out for the Virus. Thoengling on the other hand is commited to the
   bone. Loosing most of its territory due to an accident, they don't
   want that to happen again.
   
   Vargr ships proven easy to infect, but luckily enough the haphazard
   maintenance of the crafts made Vargr vampire ships a lesser threat.
   Prone to breakdown more often than not, the Virus progressed slowly.
   And Vargr unwilling to coopreate with electronic minds due to the
   non-Charismatic nature of the Virus made it difficult to get crew to
   the ships. As the standard of the ships increased by demand from both
   Regency and Zhodani the Virus found it more and more difficult to
   infect new ships as the old ones broke down. Still Regency view the
   coreward border carefully, expecting a breakthrough any moment. Only
   the future will tell if the Virus has been closed successfully out of
   what remains of Gvurrdon.